Climate Activist Ordered to Pay for Helicopter Response at Airport

A climate activist was recently ordered to cover costs associated with a police helicopter deployed during a protest at Berlin Airport. This ruling underscores the financial implications that disruptions caused by demonstrations can have on individuals involved.

The Berlin Administrative Court confirmed that the activist, who is affiliated with the climate advocacy group Last Generation, must pay approximately EUR1,000 for security measures after she glued herself to the runway. This decision stems from an incident that occurred on December 8, 2022, when the activist breached airport security by entering through a hole in the fence and subsequently joined other demonstrators in a protest on the tarmac.

Following the breach, the Federal Police increased patrols across the airport grounds and deployed a helicopter to assess whether further disruptions to air traffic were imminent. In response to these actions, the police issued a fee of EUR1,017.74 to the activist, citing the need for such measures to maintain safety and order.

The court found the police response, including the use of a helicopter, to be justified and upheld the fee charged to the activist. Although the decision is currently not legally binding, it highlights the potential legal and financial repercussions that protest actions can entail.

This case reflects ongoing tensions between climate activists and authorities as protests continue to emerge in response to perceived inaction on climate issues. While advocates argue for urgent climate action, authorities emphasize the need to balance public safety and operational integrity at critical infrastructures like airports.