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Extinction Rebellion protesters target London City Airport

10 Oct 2019 by Jenni Reid
British Airways aircraft at London City airport

Update at 1845: Two flights were cancelled on Thursday, one due to a man climbing on top of an aircraft, and a second due to a knock-on crew shortage.

One protester refused to take his seat on a plane before being escorted off by police, and another climbed onto the airport roof

Robert Sinclair, CEO of London City Airport, said:

“There are no longer any protesters outside the airport terminal but we continue to work with the Metropolitan Police to ensure that our passengers tonight and tomorrow have a safe and secure service.

“The airport has remained fully operational throughout the day and has run an almost complete schedule of flights, with just two flights cancelled as a result of the protest activity.

“We want to thank all our passengers today for their patience, and the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police for their support and professionalism. If you are flying from London City Airport this evening or tomorrow, please do check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport.”

Passengers travelling from London City today are being advised to check their flight status before coming to the airport due to the threat of protest.

Environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion announced plans to target the airport, and members are currently broadcasting from the site:

London City says it is implementing boarding pass checks at the entrance, though the group has said some of its members will purchase tickets in order to bypass this.

It is planning a three-day “Hong Kong-style” occupation, with protesters lying, sitting or gluing themselves in front of the departure and arrival gates.

An airport spokesperson said:

“We can confirm that a number of protesters have arrived at London City Airport. We continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safe operation of the airport, which remains fully open and operational. As of 0915 there have been over 60 flights which have either arrived or departed.

“If you are flying from London City today, please check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport.”

Extinction Rebellion is also protesting elsewhere in central London this week.

We will post further updates as they happen.

londoncityairport.com

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