Germany’s ADV airport association called for a decisive response after disruptive protests by the Last Generation climate activism group at several airports on Thursday.
ADV Managing Director Ralph Beisel described the protests that caused delays at airports “a concerted act of criminal extortion.”
Beisel called the protests “crimes” that must be “consistently sanctioned” by the judiciary. He demanded that an approved cabinet decision be “immediately” passed by the Bundestag, or parliament, to tighten the Aviation Security Act.
The step would allow for tougher penalties to prevent climate activists and others from carrying out dangerous protests at airports.
Last week, the ADV made a proposal to the climate activists for a dialogue. In an open letter the group acknowledged climate change as one of the greatest challenges of modern times.
The association said it wanted to inform climate activists, in a conversation, about the latest climate policy and measures airports are taking. It also wants to discuss with them the impact of runway blockades on airport safety.
In a post on X, Last Generation said it would gladly accept the offer for dialogue.
