Climate activists from the “Last Generation” group staged a demonstration at Cologne Airport in Germany, shutting down the runway and causing widespread travel disruptions, Fox News reports.
The activists filmed themselves on the tarmac, delivering impassioned speeches against the use of fossil fuels and air travel. Images from inside the airport show numerous canceled flights and hundreds of stranded passengers.
“What is at stake right now are billions of human lives. Climate collapse is already a reality for many people. We still have the privilege of being able to do something about it here. Please join OIL KILLS!” one woman stated in a translated video.
Some activists even glued themselves to the runway, further escalating the protest.
The group confirmed that eight of its members were taken into custody by authorities but were later released.
The German Airport Association (ADV) strongly condemned the demonstration, calling it “a concerted act of criminal extortion.” ADV managing director, Ralph Beisel, stated, “These are malicious interventions in air traffic and in the personal rights of every traveler who is unable to take their flight as planned.”
The Last Generation group is known for its disruptive tactics, often targeting public events and transportation. Last year, their protests led to a clash with a woman in Germany, who was dubbed a “brutal blonde” by European media after she forcibly removed an activist blocking traffic. Footage of the incident showed the woman dragging the activist by her hair to the side of the road.
