BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s cabinet approved legislation Wednesday that would impose tougher penalties on people who cross airport borders, in response to incidents such as disruptive protests by climate activists.
The bill, which still needs to be passed by lawmakers, would impose penalties of up to two years in prison for people who intentionally encroach on airport “airside” areas, such as taxiways or runways, and endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to do so. Until now, such encroachments could only result in a fine.
A sentence of up to five years would be possible in cases where someone breaks into an airport with prohibited items, such as a weapon, knives or poisonous substances, or if the break-in is intended to enable or cover up another offence.
The move follows airport protests in recent years by climate activists who have disrupted flights.
“Anyone who enters the airport grounds, sticks themselves to runways and thus massively disrupts air traffic is not only risking their own lives,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement. “Such incidents are also dangerous for many people who are not involved, for example if there are medical emergencies.”
She also pointed to the disruption to travel for tens of thousands of travellers and the resulting economic impact.
Faeser said the repeated incidents in recent times made it necessary to impose tougher penalties. Airport operators also need to do more to protect their premises.
