Heathrow boss hits out at climate protestors
Heathrow owner BAA has voiced “extreme concern” about reports suggesting that protestors plan to disguise themselves as passengers and make hoax bomb threats to cause disruption at the airport.
Climate Camp organisers have threatened 24 hours of unspecified mass action from midday on August 19 after setting up camp on the fringe of the London airport on Sunday.
Airlines have warned passengers to allow extra time when travelling to Heathrow this week in the event of roads in and around the airport becoming congested.
“There is the strong possibility that the actions of the protestors could disrupt the airport’s normal activities, as that is one of their stated aims,” Bmi said in a statement to industry partners.
Heathrow managing director Mark Bullock said: “I am extremely concerned by reports in the media that protestors are planning on disguising themselves as passengers in an attempt to gain access to terminals and disrupt the airport.
“Other reports that protestors are planning bomb hoaxes are even more worrying.”
He called on the Climate Camp organisers to guarantee that protestors will not take direct action that will disrupt passengers.
“The camp organisers have spent months planning for this camp. They have raised money for this camp and they have promoted this camp. They therefore have an obligation to control what is done in the camp’s name,” said Bullock.
“The camp organisers cannot wash their hands of responsibility. They cannot simply say that it is not their problem.”
BAA agrees that there is a debate to be had about aviation and climate change, but the 1.5 million passengers who will travel through the airport during the camp have a right to go about their lawful travel plans without being harassed or intimidated, he added.
Airlines have contingency plans in place in liaison with the airport and the authorities to ensure a co-ordinated approach to any attempted disruption.
Phil Davies
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