Germany's Cologne/Bonn airport announced on Thursday morning that it was temporarily suspending operations after an "unauthorized intrusion." Police said that a hole had been cut in the perimeter fence.

The airport is one of Germany's busiest passenger hubs. Later on Thursday, Nuremberg also confirmed it was pausing operations due to a protest.

Letzte Generation or "Last Generation" climate activists had promised demonstrations at several German airports this week.

They shared footage of themselves blocking the runway in Cologne, as well as in Stuttgart. The group was also demonstrating in Berlin, they said.

Later on Thursday, Nuremberg and Cologne announced that they had resumed service, but advised passengers to expect delays.

In Berlin and Stuttgart, police said that activists were arrested without disrupting traffic.

German Interior Minister says protesters' actions are 'dangerous and stupid'

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on X, formerly Twitter, that the protesters' "criminal actions are dangerous and stupid."

The ministry has proposed severe prison sentences in response to such actions and is obliging airports to significantly improve their facilities' security, she added. 

Last Generation calls for oil exit

“The stakes right now are billions of human lives. Climate collapse is already a reality for many people," the activists wrote on social media site X. "We still have the privilege of being able to do something about it here. Please join OIL KILLS!"

Last Generation was formed in 2021 — the name is a nod to the activists who consider themselves the last generation before the Earth reaches the tipping point and collapses in a climate breakdown.

In Germany, their protests have mainly focused on blocking roads and runways in an effort to affect transport policy. They also want Germany to sign an international agreement to stop using fossil fuels by 2030.

es/rm (AFP, dpa)