On Thursday, around 10% of flights were cancelled at Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe’s major transport hubs, following a protest by the Last Generation climate group. Activists glued themselves to the runway, leading to the cancellation of approximately 140 out of 1,400 scheduled flights, according to airport operators Fraport. Passengers were advised to expect delays for the remainder of the day.
Flight operations resumed at 7:50 am (0550 GMT), just under three hours after eight activists gained access to the airport grounds. They glued themselves to the tarmac and a fence. One activist was caught on the fence, while the others managed to secure themselves on the central runways.
A Fraport spokesman condemned the protest, stating that the activists would face severe penalties and substantial civil claims for damages. After being removed from the tarmac, the activists were handed over to the Hesse state police.
The protest followed a similar incident at Cologne/Bonn airport the previous day, where a three-hour flight suspension occurred. The Last Generation group claimed responsibility for both actions, citing the continued extraction and burning of fossil fuels as a threat to existence and calling for an end to fossil fuel use by 2030.
Inside the terminals, long lines formed at Lufthansa counters, and the airport provided free water to stranded travelers. With ongoing delays, passengers were encouraged to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Hesse state premier Boris Rhein criticized the protest, labeling the activists as “irresponsible and criminal” and accusing them of harming thousands of holidaymakers. Transport Minister Volker Wissing urged lawmakers to respond with strict penalties, noting that the Cabinet has already decided to impose tougher penalties for air traffic disruptions, pending parliamentary approval.
Fraport reported that Frankfurt Airport is secured by over 30 kilometers of fence, monitored and patrolled to prevent such incidents.
