Supporters of the Just Stop Oil campaign have reportedly blocked departure gates at Gatwick Airport, according to a statement from the activist group. The group claims that seven individuals entered the South Terminal around 8am and used suitcases with lock-on devices to obstruct the departure gates.
A photo shared by the group seems to depict the protesters sitting on the airport floor, effectively blocking an entrance. The demonstrators can be seen donning Just Stop Oil T-shirts, with their hands encased in orange boxes.
The group stated that this action is part of the "Oil Kills international uprising", which is occurring at airports globally. Among the activists involved are said to be Mel Carrington, 63, a mother and former environmental consultant from Dorset, and Greg Sculthorpe, a mathematician hailing from Doncaster.
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Earlier in the month, Gatwick secured a High Court injunction in a bid to prevent potential environmental activists from trespassing on its land, following police intelligence regarding protest plans. Timothy Morshead KC, who represented Gatwick at the hearing, warned that such actions could result in "severe disruption and financial loss" as well as "significant delays for passengers".
Both Gatwick Airport and Sussex Police have been approached for comment. This incident follows several days of disruption across Europe, with protesters targeting holidaymakers attempting to embark on their breaks, reports Wales Online.
France experienced widespread disruption, with rail lines - including the Eurostar - being targeted.
Protesters have also made their presence felt at major airports in Germany, vowing to target holidaymakers this year as part of their campaign to highlight the impact of climate change.
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