Six members of the climate activist group, Last Generation, breached security at Munich Airport on Saturday, adhering themselves to pathways leading to the airfields and momentarily halting air traffic. This protest was held in opposition to air travel, which they argue is the most environmentally detrimental mode of transport, as reported by the German news source, dpa. The six participants were subsequently apprehended by the authorities.
Around 60 departures were called off during the commotion that spanned several hours; alternative travel arrangements were made for the affected passengers, stated airport representative, Robert Wilhelm, to dpa. Meanwhile, 14 incoming aircraft were redirected to alternate airports according to police records.
Last Generation took to a social media platform to express their criticism of the German government, accusing them of “downplaying” the adverse environmental impacts of aviation rather than taking sincere remedial action.
The German Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, issued an appeal for the cessation of such demonstrations, stating the view that they obstruct air travel and do more harm than good to the cause of climate change due to the confusion and resentment they spark.
Faeser also praised the police for their quick response in restoring airport functioning and urged a review of airport security protocols.
Meanwhile, Volker Wissing, the Minister of Transport, confirmed his department was actively working on further fortifying existing legislation.
Ralph Beisel, the head of the German Airports Association, expressed his disapproval of the activists’ methods, warning that breaching aviation security is not a minor infraction and lamented the inconvenience faced by countless travellers who had to endure a disrupted start to their Pentecost holiday. He also endorsed more severe punishments for such acts of intrusion into airport premises.
In recent history, climate activists have created similar blockades at Hamburg and Düsseldorf airports, bringing operations to a standstill for several hours in July of last year.
Despite being known for their controversial strategy of sticking themselves to roads to stop the flow of traffic – a tactic that has drawn significant criticism among Germans – Last Generation announced in January that they would shift to organising what they term “disobedient assemblies”.
Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor, has described their activities as ‘utterly senseless’.