Nine protesters arrested at Heathrow as a number of flights are delayed or canceled

It has been reported that at approximately 2.30am GMT twelve protesters from the group “Plane Stupid” cut through wire fencing surrounding Heathrow’s northern runway. They were protesting at the decision made earlier this month regarding the building of a third runway for Heathrow, allowing it to maintain a competitive position as a major European airways hub. The protest group’s greatest concern has been over the increase in carbon emissions in an area where levels are already exceeding acceptable limits.
While 13 flights in all were canceled and others diverted, the northern runway was able to remain open, albeit at reduced capacity, owing to its width. The protesters were removed some seven hours after the intrusion was reported according to an airport spokesman. “These individuals have since been removed by police,” Heathrow Airport announced in a statement. “Both runways were operational throughout, although there have been some delays and a few cancellations.”
Of additional concern was the seeming ability for the protesters to easily break through the unguarded wire fence at a time when the whole of the UK is under a ‘severe’ level alert for terrorist acts. The actions of the protesters have highlighted both current and future problems relating to security measures required to ensure the safety of the airport.
With the Government expected to give a final decision in September as to whether a new runway will be built at Heathrow or Gatwick, it is anticipated this will not be the only protest that will take place at Heathrow over the coming months. It should be remembered that previous plans to build a new runway at Heathrow were shelved in 2010, partly owing to environmental concerns.