Climate activists halt flights at Cologne airport amid protests

One of the main airports in Germany halted flights after climate activists glued themselves to the runway. It's not the only airport where actions took place on July 24 as part of the "Oil Kills" campaign.

Cologne Bonn Airport reported on the morning of July 24 that "unauthorized persons" had gained access to the airport, suspending all flight operations and requiring police intervention. Activists from Letzte Generation (the German part of the Last Generation) glued themselves to the runway in connection with the global action planned for that day under the slogan "Oil Kills."

Many incoming flights were diverted to nearby airports in Düsseldorf, Hahn, Nuremberg, and Hannover. Dozens of flights leaving Cologne Airport were delayed or cancelled. Letzte Generation posted pictures of their members with their hands glued to the runway on X. Shortly after, activists reported that three of the five protesting individuals had been removed by the police.

German activists wrote on X: "As part of the international 'Oil Kills' campaign, we call for the signing of a fossil fuel treaty in more than 10 countries. This would commit our government to international negotiations to finalize an international treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030."

Last Generation stated that "similar peaceful, civil protests at airports" were planned for July 24 across Europe and North America. In Finland, protesters were photographed blocking security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport. In Norway, three activists breached the fence at the main Gardermoen Airport in Oslo.

Activists explained why they targeted airports for the "Oil Kills" campaign. On their X profile, Letze Generation wrote: "Airports are where it all becomes clear: What used to be normal is now something we can no longer afford. [...] Oil, gas, and coal threaten our existence."