Now eco-anarchists say they’ll fly toy drones over Heathrow next month to bring chaos and cancellations to Britain’s busiest airport
Climate change activists are set to bring chaos to flights at London Heathrow next month by flying toy drones over the airport.
The Heathrow Pause group claimed today that it would fly the drones from September 13 in a move that could cancel all flights at Europe’s largest airport.
The activists, who are a splinter group of Extinction Rebellion supporters, said they would fly toy drones within the restricted zone but outside the flight paths.
About 219,000 passengers use London Heathrow Airport on an average day (file picture)
Heathrow Pause said the action would force the airport to ground planes and put pressure on the government to take tougher steps to reduce greenhouse gases.
The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this month that the action is scheduled to last for a week – but activists warn that it could go on for even longer.
They plan to launch drones at 3am each day. More than 1.5 million people could be affected, with about 219,000 passengers using Heathrow on an average day.
The organisers include Left-wing academic Roger Hallam, a co-founder of XR, who helped plan the two weeks of chaos organised in London by the group in April.
The organisers include Left-wing academic Roger Hallam, a co-founder of XR, pictured in April
Heathrow Pause said it would fly drones at no higher than head level and give the airport one hour’s advance notice.
Flying a drone within 3.1 miles of an airport carries a jail sentence of up to five years.
A Heathrow Pause spokesman said: ‘This is a symbolic action, using a legal loophole and participants’ self-sacrifice to draw attention to the most serious and urgent crisis humanity has ever faced.
‘The government’s inaction on climate change, and the looming catastrophe of airport expansion, gives us no choice, and compels us to act.’
Mr Hallam helped plan the two weeks of chaos organised in London by the XR group in April
Speaking earlier this month, a Scotland Yard spokesman said: ‘We are aware of reports of a protest planned at Heathrow. Anyone caught illegally using a drone within the proximity of an airport can expect to be dealt with in line with the law.’
A Heathrow spokesman added: ‘We agree with the need to act on climate change – this is a global issue that requires constructive engagement and action. Committing offences and disrupting passengers is counterproductive.’
Valerie Brown, a spokesman for supporters of the action, said: ‘Our lives are in the Government’s hands and if they are not doing anything to save this planet, we have to make them understand.’