270 flights canceled in Frankfurt as environmental activists target airports across Europe

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A total of 270 flights were canceled at Germany's busiest airport Thursday after environmental activists launched a coordinated effort to disrupt air travel across Europe at the height of the summer vacation season to highlight the threat posed by climate change.

Frankfurt Airport said flights were halted for safety reasons after climate activists breached security fences in the early morning. Its runways were back in operation by 7:50 a.m. local time.

By Thursday evening, airport operator Fraport said 270 flights had been canceled out of 1,400 scheduled for the day, German news agency dpa reported.

Police said seven people damaged the perimeter fence and entered the airport premises at 5 a.m., then attached themselves to the tarmac in various places. An eighth person attached themself to the fence. All were detained.

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 to end the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030.

Climate data showed that Monday was the hottest day ever recorded as human-caused climate change continues to drive unprecedented heat and growing weather extremes. Global investments in planet-warming oil and gas are expected to increase by 7% this year, according to the International Energy Agency, despite global promises to slash fossil fuel use.

Flying is considered one of the most carbon-intensive activities, but the aviation industry is expected to grow steadily over the coming decades despite efforts to contain the climate crisis.

It was the second time in as many days that a protest by the Last Generation group 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 canceled.

Climate activists staged or attempted similar actions in Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Spain on Wednesday.

At Helsinki Airport, a handful of protesters blocked the main check-in area for about 30 minutes, but police said the demonstration caused no delays to flights or other disruption.

At Oslo’s main Gardermoen airport, three activists managed to enter the runway area early Wednesday, waving banners and disrupting air traffic for about half an hour. Police said there were no major flight delays.

Police in London said Wednesday that they prevented a planned protest at Heathrow Airport. Seven members of the group known as Just Stop Oil were arrested at Heathrow and three others were taken into custody at other locations as part of an “intelligence-led” operation, the Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement.

One of those arrested in London was Sean Callaghan, 29, who described himself as an environmental educator.

“I’m taking action at airports this summer because it is impossible for me to see a way in which we can inspire and enthuse students about the future of our planet,″ Callaghan said in a video posted on social media.

Last week, the German Cabinet approved legislation that would impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters.

The bill, which still requires approval by lawmakers, foresees punishment ranging up to a two-year prison sentence for people who intentionally intrude on airside areas of airports such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to. Currently such intrusions only draw a fine.

Emergency vehicles and police cars stand on a runway at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a few climate activists glued themselves to the ground blocking air traffic for several hours. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Emergency vehicles stand on a runway at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024, after a few climate activists glued themselves to the ground blocking air traffic for several hours. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)

Police patrol the terminal at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25 ,2024. (Helmut Fricke/dpa via AP)

Travelers stand in front of a display board in the terminal at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt, Germany Thursday, July 25, 2024. Flights at the airport were suspended temporarily Thursday as climate activists glued themselves to the ground inside the airport grounds, authorities said. (Helmut Fricke/dpa via AP)

Police vehicles are parked not far from the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport, Thursday, July 25, 2024. Air traffic has been temporarily suspended due to an action by climate activists. ( Mike Seeboth/TNN/dpa via AP)

Emergency vehicles from the police, fire department and airport security are parked on the apron of Frankfurt Airport, where a few activists have taped themselves up, in Frankfurt, Germany, Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Arne Dedert/dpa via AP)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's government has revoked permission for Brazil to serve as custodian of Argentina's diplomatic missions in the country, alleging several anti-government opponents holed up for months in the Argentine ambassador's residence had been plotting terrorist acts from the compound.

In a statement Saturday, Venezuela's foreign ministry said it had notified Brazil of its decision, which will take effect immediately. It said it was forced to take action based on what it called evidence — which it hasn't shared — that those who sought refuge in Argentina's diplomatic mission were plotting.

Magalli Meda, the former campaign chief of opposition leader María Corina Machado, was among a half dozen government opponents who fled to the Argentina ambassador’s residence after Maduro’s chief prosecutor in March issued an order for her arrest for allegedly propagating destabilizing, political violence.

In retaliation, Maduro broke off diplomatic relations with Argentine President Javier Milei’s right-wing government, which tapped neighbor Brazil to represent its interests and safeguard the asylum seekers.

There was no immediate response from Argentina or Brazil.

Since Friday, armored vehicles from the SEBIN political police have been parked outside the Argentina ambassador’s residence in a leafy Caracas neighborhood. Electricity to the diplomatic mission was also cut, according to Meda, who has taken to social media to denounce what she fears is an impending raid to arrest her and the other government opponents.

Police guard Argentina's embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)