Germany plans stricter laws to curb disruptive airport protests

The German government plans to prevent radical climate activists and other protestors from carrying out dangerous actions at German airports by tightening Germany's Aviation Security Act.

According to government sources, a draft bill from Interior Minister Nancy Faeser will be discussed by the Cabinet on Wednesday.

The core of the planned reform, which will still have to be agreed by the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, is the creation of a new regulation that makes "intentional, unauthorized intrusion" onto the tarmac and runways a punishable offence if it impairs the safety of civil air traffic.

For example, anyone who cuts through a fence and then blocks a runway will face a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine. Attempts will also be punishable. Previously, only a fine was due in such cases.

Intentional, unauthorized entry into this part of the airport is to be punishable by up to five years in prison if someone is carrying a weapon or toxic substances, or if the intention is to facilitate or conceal another criminal offence.

Climate protection activists blocked Munich Airport at the start of the Bavarian Whitsun holidays, causing considerable disruption to holiday travel.

Germany's airport association says more than a hundred thousand passengers were affected. Several aircraft due to land at Germany's second-largest airport had to be diverted.

The activists had stuck themselves to feeder taxiways next to the runways. According to spokespersons for the airport and the federal police, the airport was temporarily closed for security reasons.