Flights Suspended at Cologne-Bonn Airport as Climate Protesters Block Runway

One of Germany’s largest airports, Cologne-Bonn, has suspended all flights after climate activists glued themselves to a runway. The airport reported that “unauthorised people” accessed the airfield on Wednesday morning, prompting a halt to all flight operations as police intervened.

At least four inbound flights were diverted to Düsseldorf and Hannover airports. Many outbound flights from Cologne faced delays or cancellations.

The activist group, Last Generation, claimed responsibility, stating that five of its members glued themselves to the tarmac. The group shared photos of the protest and called for the German government to push for a global agreement to exit oil, gas, and coal by 2030. They announced plans for similar protests at airports across Europe and North America.

In Finland, activists blocked security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport, while in Norway, three protesters breached the perimeter fence at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport, only to be removed within 30 minutes.

Cologne-Bonn is Germany’s sixth-busiest airport. In May, Munich Airport experienced a similar shutdown when six climate protesters glued themselves to a runway, leading to significant flight disruptions. Following that incident, Germany’s Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, stated that security measures at Munich Airport would be reviewed.

NNEOMA UDENSI

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