Self-proclaimed climate protectors from the Extinction Rebellion group blocked the General Aviation area of ​​the Belgian capital's Brussels airport on Monday morning. Around 40 people glued or chained themselves to doors and windows. Various banners were also shown.

The group said, among other things, that the action should be part of the global "Make them pay" campaign. This should be aimed specifically at the use of private jets. According to the activists, business aviation is said to be responsible for the vast majority of carbon dioxide emissions from aviation. They demand a general ban on aircraft that are used exclusively for private purposes.

This is to be achieved, among other things, by raising taxes so much that even well-heeled customers will find flying private jets unattractive. If this is not sufficient, the intention is to “enforce” a legal ban. Among other things, Extinction Rebellion claims that the “climate catastrophe is being brought about by a small minority”. In the field of scheduled aviation, the view is taken that it should be taxed so heavily that fewer people fly because of the high costs.

The police quickly intervened at Brussels Airport. At first they held back and watched the course of events. The unannounced rally was later broken up. This has also resulted in an unspecified number of arrests, as some activists did not want to give up the blockade voluntarily.