Climate activists block Leipzig/Halle Airport: freight traffic paralyzed

Climate activists block Leipzig/Halle Airport: freight traffic paralyzed

In a remarkable protest, several climate activists for more climate protection at Leipzig/Halle Airport have demonstrated. The campaign, which was initiated by the "Last generation" group, occurred around midnight when the activists entered the airport site and partially stick to the ground. A spokesman for the federal police reported that a helicopter was used to support other activists.

effects on freight traffic

The blockade meant that the freight flight operations had to be stopped for around three hours from around 00:30. Leipzig/Halle Airport is an important European hub for air freight and processes around 1.4 million tons of freight every year. In the morning, the airport spokeswoman reported that one of two starting and landingways was put back into operation. Nevertheless, due to the ongoing police operation, delays in passenger flights could occur. The first scheduled departure was scheduled for 5:25 a.m., while the first arrival was expected at 9.10 a.m.

goals of the activists

The demonstrating activists wanted to set a sign against the growing passenger numbers, the planned expansion of the airport capacities and what they believe inadequate plan of the Federal Government exit from fossil energies with their efforts. On their transparent, the activists asked slogans such as "killing oil" to act. In a contribution on the social platform X, the group explained that the blockade was particularly affected by the freight traffic and that the night flight ban was specially exposed to support the protest.

growing protest movement

It is the second protest within a short time that affects air traffic in Germany. Last week, climate activists bothered flight operations for a few hours at the Frankfurt Airport and at Cologne/Bonn Airport. A peaceful protest also took place at Stuttgart Airport. These repeated actions illustrate the urgency of the topic of climate protection, which is becoming increasingly important in public.

security measures at the airport

In response to the protests, Leipzig Airport has announced additional security measures. The security forces were sensitized to operate with increased attention after the past protests showed how effective such actions can be to generate public attention.

The current protests again raise the question of how air traffic can be reconciled with the goals of climate protection. While air traffic is gradually recovering, the influence of these actions remains unmistakable on the public discussion on the topic of climate crisis and the future of mobility.

- Nag