BERLIN — The German cabinet approved legislation on Wednesday that would impose tougher penalties on people who breach airport perimeters, in response to incidents such as disruptive protests by climate activists.
The bill, which must still be approved by legislators, provides penalties of up to two years in prison for people who intentionally intrude into “air” areas of airports, such as taxiways or runways, and endanger endanger civil aviation, or allow another person to do so. Until now, such intrusions can only lead to a fine.
A sentence of up to five years would be possible in cases where someone forcibly enters an airport with prohibited objects, such as a weapon, some knives or poisonous substances, or if the intrusion is intended to enable or cover up another crime.
The movement continues protests at the airport in recent years by climate activists causing flight disruptions.
“Anyone who breaks into airport facilities, sticks to the runways, and massively obstructs air traffic by doing so is not only risking his or her own life,” Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said in a statement. “These incidents are also dangerous for many people who are not involved, for example when there are medical emergencies.”
It also noted the disruption for tens of thousands of travelers and the resulting economic consequences.
Faeser said repeated incidents in recent times made it necessary to impose harsher punishments, adding that airport operators must also do more to protect their facilities.
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