Lufthansa plans to sue Last Generation climate activists for damages

Germany's Lufthansa Group plans to demand civil damages from climate activist group Last Generation over protests that briefly shut down flights at several major German airports earlier this month, reported dpa.

A spokeswoman said the company plans to pursue damages on behalf of all airlines in the group, which includes Germany's flagship Lufthansa as well as Austrian Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings.

Climate activists seeking to highlight the pollution caused by air travel glued themselves to the tarmac at the airports in Dusseldorf and Hamburg on July 13. The activist group had previously staged a similar protest at Berlin's airport in November.

Numerous flights were cancelled or rerouted as a result of the protests. Lufthansa-owned budget airline Eurowings, for instance, blamed the protests for the cancellation of 55 flights.

Lufthansa did not immediately comment on how much money the company would be seeking in damages. Aviation expert Gerald Wissel told the Rheinische Post newspaper that damages would likely be in the millions of euros.

Dusseldorf Airport has also announced its intention to pursue its own claims against Last Generation. Condor and Tuifly airlines both said they are considering their own claims but did not comment on Monday about whether they actually intend to sue.

Members of the activist group who were arrested at the airports remain under police investigation and also face potential personal civil claims for damages.

Last Generation has repeatedly generated serious debate and extensive media coverage in Germany with frequent disruptive and attention-grabbing protests, including regular motorway and street blockades.