Airport operator BAA drew a chorus of criticism after seeking an injunction to prevent a week-long protest by environmentalists at London’s Heathrow airport.
BAA argued the legal action was necessary “to protect the operation of the airport and the safety of passengers and staff” during planned action by various environmental groups between August 14 and 21. The protests aim to highlight aviation’s contribution to climate change.
The injunction would require protesters to give 24 hours’ notice of their plans and bans them from within 100 metres of Heathrow.
Anyone considered to be in breach could be arrested on London Underground’s Piccadilly Line or on the Heathrow Express platform at Paddington.
London mayor Ken Livingston, the National Trust, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives all criticised BAA’s move. Transport for London, which oversees public transport in the capital, demanded BAA remove it from the injunction application, saying the action threatened chaos on the tube.
Reports suggest the legal action could result in a travel ban on up to five million people in the peak summer season.
Campaigners admitted the action may disrupt flights at the airport.