London Heathrow Airport could see flights suspended this summer after the Extinction Rebellion group vowed to cause huge disruption with drones. The protestors, who have previously caused havoc to London and the capital’s wider transport system, will be targeting the transport hub for the second time in June. They claim this will be followed by further action in July, slap bang in the middle of many Britons summer breaks. Earlier this year, Express.co.uk reported how their plans to disrupt the UK’s largest and busiest airport were thwarted by security and a low member turn out.
Yet the group is suggesting travellers on June 18 and the 10 days following July 1 switch their departure days.
Therefore Britons travelling to and from the terminals could face significant upheaval if the campaigners are successful.
The group claims it will suspend the shock action if Heathrow Airport bosses can the idea of a third runway.
A document released by the group on social media stated: ““Rebels will use a variety of nonviolent tactics to close down the airport again including, but not limited to, the flying of drones and blocking of public roads leading into the airport.”
Extinction Rebellion said: “On June 18, We plan to carry out nonviolent direct action to ensure Heathrow Authorities close the airport for the day, to create a ‘pause’ in recognition of the genocidal impact of high carbon activities, such as flying, upon the natural world.
“If the Government does not cancel all Heathrow expansion, Extinction Rebellion will act to shut the airport down for up to 10 days from July 1.”
A similar document shared on social media outlined the plans in more detail, and told: “The proposal is for rebels to visit the Department of Transport in the weeks before the action and submit letters asking for an immediate cancellation of Government’s Third Runway plans to honour parliament’s declaration of a climate emergency.
“If these demands are not met we will hold a planned picnic and drone session in the fields around Heathrow on June 18 having given full notice to the Heathrow Authorities of our intention to do so.”
A Heathrow Airport spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “This is reckless action that if carried out could endanger the lives of the travelling public and our colleagues.
We agree with the need to act on climate change, but that requires us to work together constructively – not commit serious criminal offences just as hardworking people prepare to spend a well-earned holiday with their family and friends.”
They added to the Evening Standard: “While we respect the right to peaceful protest and agree with the need to act on climate change, we don’t agree that passengers should have their well-earned holiday plans with family and friends disrupted.
“Passengers should contact their airlines for up to date information on their journeys.”
Earlier this year, Express.co.uk reported how the group had intended to cause severe disruption at Heathrow.
Meanwhile, the transport hub faced a drone disruption in January when they were forced to ground flights after a suspected sighting.
The drone was spotted shortly after 5pm. Heathrow tweeted at the time: “We are responding to a drone sighting at Heathrow and are working closely with the Met Police to prevent any threat to operational safety.
“As a precautionary measure, we have stopped departures while we investigate.
“We apologise to passengers for any inconvenience this may cause.”
