Climate activists have disrupted flights at Germany’s Cologne Bonn Airport after they glued themselves to runway, causing delays and cancellations.

“We need a just transition to clean energy and a good way to achieve this is an international Fossil Fuel Treaty!,” the group stated in a video shared on X. “We are protesting because we cannot accept this death and injustice!”

The action comes a week after Germany’s Cabinet backed legislation to impose stricter punishments on individuals who break into airport perimeters. While still due to be considered by lawmakers, if implemented, protestors could face a two-year prison sentence for breaching airside areas. Currently, the harshest penalty for protestors who enter taxiways or runways is a fine.

Protestors also attempted to impact operations at other European hubs.

Nine people from group Oil Kills blocked the security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport in Finland. “We are taking action around the world to demand an end to oil by 2030. More to come…,” the group posted on X.

Norway saw three activists breach the perimeter fence of Oslo Gardermoen Airport before being swiftly detained.

Seven people at two locations were arrested at London Heathrow Airport after being intercepted on the perimeter road around the hub.

In Barcelona, Future Vegetal were stopped after seeking to disrupt airport traffic, with one arrest and multiple fines handed out by authorities.

Liberate Switzerland has blocked roads to Zurich and Geneva Airports, demanding an end to fossil fuel subsidies.

“Austria, Canada, Germany, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and more are all taking action together this summer, demanding our criminal governments sign a binding, international, treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030,” the groups said in a shared statement.

“The UN’s climate chief, Simon Steil, says we have a small window of hope left; if rapid decarbonisation begins in the next 24 months, we may still avoid the worst of climate breakdown. But our leaders haven’t got the memo. They continue to delay, even when the public demand action. We have to shout louder. This is all of our fight. We refuse to die for fossil fuels.”

(This is a developing story)

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