After a blockade of the runway in summer 2023, Düsseldorf Airport is now demanding compensation from activists from the “Last Generation” group. The airport has filed a civil suit with the Düsseldorf Regional Court and is demanding 48.786,62 euros from the people involved. A spokeswoman for the Regional Court confirmed receipt of the lawsuit (case number 15 O 133/24). The “Rheinische Post” had previously reported on the case.
On July 13, 2023, activists from the "Last Generation" cut through the airport's fence and got onto the runway. Six of them had glued themselves there, which led to a nearly two-hour interruption of air traffic and numerous flight cancellations. The airport is now claiming the lost take-off and landing fees as well as other costs incurred as a result of the blockade. An airport spokesman did not want to comment to the "Rheinische Post" on the amount of damage or other legal details.
The "Last Generation" is a group of climate activists who want to use their actions to draw attention to the urgency of the climate crisis. In the past, the group has caused a stir several times by blocking roads, intersections and even airports. The activists argue that their civil disobedience is necessary to get politicians to take action.
Düsseldorf Airport is not the first airport to demand compensation from climate activists. Other airports in Germany and abroad have already filed similar lawsuits. The question of whether such actions are justified and the amount of compensation claims is controversial and is repeatedly discussed in public and in court.
The lawsuit brought by Düsseldorf Airport against the “Last Generation” is expected to take some time. The court will examine whether the activists can be held liable for the damage caused and what the appropriate level of compensation is. It is also possible that the activists will appeal against the court’s decision.
The outcome of the case will have a signal effect for similar cases. It remains to be seen how the court will decide and what consequences this will have for future actions by climate activists.
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