Germany’s busiest airport cancelled more than 100 flights after environmental activists launched a co-ordinated effort to disrupt air travel across Europe at the height of the summer holiday season.
Frankfurt Airport said flights were halted for safety reasons after climate activists breached security fences, triggering a response from police, firefighters and airport security officers.
All runways were back in operation by 7.50am local time, the airport said. About 140 flights have been cancelled so far, but further disruption is expected throughout the day, the airport said.
“We sharply condemn these unauthorised demonstrations, and we reserve the right to take legal action against the participants,” the airport said.
“Their activities pose severe danger to flight operations – possibly putting human life at risk.”
Environmental groups said they planned to target airports around Europe this summer to remind people about the link between fossil fuels, such as those used by airliners, and climate change.
The groups are calling for governments around the world to end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030.
The Last Generation group, which organised the Frankfurt demonstration, said six protesters cut holes in the perimeter fence and headed towards the runways on foot, bicycles and skateboards.
It was the second time in as many days that a protest by Last Generation caused disruption at a German airport.
On Wednesday, five protesters glued themselves to a taxiway at Cologne-Bonn Airport, forcing a roughly three-hour halt to flights. That protest resulted in 31 flights being cancelled.
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