Several members of the environmental group Last Generation disrupted flights to and from two German airports on Thursday by glueing themselves to the aprons.
Protesters entered Hamburg Airport (HAM) and Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) at approximately 6am local time and blocked taxiways and access routes.
Local media reported dozens of cancelled flights across both airports, and at least 10 inbound flights had to be diverted to nearby airports. Some Düsseldorf-bound flights were directed to Köln Bonn Airport.
Last Generation said Germany’s Government lacks a clear climate crisis strategy and called for immediate measures to cut emissions – including cutting kerosene tax exemptions.
Although some flights were affected, and the knock-on effect pushed back schedules, both airports reported a swift resumption of take-offs and landings.
The government response dismissed the protest and criticised its timing – on the first day of Germany’s school summer holidays.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing said: “Last Generation is doing climate protection and our democracy a disservice with its dangerous interventions.”
“They deliberately divide society and engage in crime instead of climate protection.”
