In the early hours of July 28, 2024, climate stickers from the group "Last Generation" caused a stir at Leipzig/Halle Airport, one of Europe's most important air freight centers. A blockade action in which five activists glued themselves to the ground brought cargo flight operations to a standstill for several hours. This led to significant delays and an increased focus on the discussion about climate change and the role of air transport.

The activists, who identify themselves as part of the group "Last Generation," entered the southern area of ​​the airport grounds shortly after midnight. According to the federal police, they gained access by cutting holes in the security fence. Two other activists were prevented from also gluing themselves to the ground. The federal police were able to resolve the situation at around 5 a.m. by removing the taped people from the tarmac.

The group "Last Generation" once again drew attention to their demands through their actions. They are protesting against the growing air traffic and the planned expansion of capacity at Leipzig/Halle Airport. In particular, they are criticizing the lack of a plan by the federal government to quickly phase out fossil fuels. The signs they carried during their action included slogans such as "Oil kills" to illustrate the environmentally harmful effects of fossil fuels.

Impact on flight operations

The blockade had a significant impact on the airport's operations. A spokesperson for Leipzig/Halle Airport confirmed that cargo flight operations had to be suspended for around three hours from around 00:30. Although one of the two runways was later reopened, there were slight delays in passenger air traffic. The first flight of the day could not take off until 5:41 a.m., around 15 minutes later than planned.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is the fourth largest air freight hub in Europe and an important hub for international freight traffic. Around 1,4 million tons of freight are handled here every year. The disruption to operations caused by the protest action therefore also had economic consequences, as numerous cargo flights had to be postponed or cancelled.

The climate stickers' action is part of a series of similar protests at German airports. Last week, activists carried out similar actions at Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport, which also led to disruptions in flight operations. At Stuttgart Airport, there was a peaceful protest without major disruptions.

The repeated incidents have alarmed the airport security authorities. Additional security measures have already been taken at Leipzig/Halle Airport. The security forces are now more aware and should act with increased vigilance to prevent future disruptive actions.

Legal consequences and social debate

Criminal investigations are now being carried out against the activists involved. The Federal Police have launched investigations into unauthorized presence in the security area, trespassing and interference with air traffic. The legal consequences of such actions are often serious, as they not only affect the operation of airports, but can also endanger the safety of air traffic.

However, the protests of the "Last Generation" have also triggered a broad social discussion about the responsibility of air traffic for climate change. The increasing air traffic and the expansion of airport capacities contradict efforts to protect the climate and promote sustainability. The activists are therefore calling for a radical reduction in air traffic and the increased use of renewable energies.

The incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport shows that the debates about climate protection and environmental policy are increasingly reaching public spaces and critical infrastructures. While the legal consequences for the activists are still pending, the debate about sustainable transport and energy policy remains more relevant than ever. The question of how to shape a climate-friendly future will continue to be a key challenge for politics, business and society.