Geneva airport briefly closed as climate activists protest private jet fair

Activists hold banners during a demonstration against private jets at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, May 23, 2023. [Reuters]

Geneva's airport was briefly closed to flights on Tuesday as climate activists stormed a private jet fair on a nearby tarmac by ripping down or scaling fences, handcuffing themselves to landing gear and other material, and scuffling with police and security before being hauled away. City police said about 80 people were detained.

The protest involved about 100 activists from 17 countries and groups, including Greenpeace, Scientist Rebellion, Stay Grounded and Extinction Rebellion, who disrupted the annual European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition - one of the industry's premier events, which is taking place in Geneva this week.