Early this morning, Just Stop Oil supporters attempted to disrupt operations at Gatwick Airport as part of their international campaign demanding the establishment of a fossil fuel treaty to end the extraction and burning of oil, gas, and coal by 2030.
At approximately 8 am, seven protesters from the environmental group entered the Southern Terminal at Gatwick and used suitcases equipped with lock-on devices to block the departure gates.
A Sussex Police spokesperson provided details on the incident: “Police responded to a report that protesters were demonstrating near the security entrance at the South Terminal in Gatwick Airport at around 8 am today (July 29). Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of interfering with public infrastructure, and a heightened police presence should be expected at this time. The airport is functioning as usual, and no disruption has been caused by protest activity.”
Gatwick Airport confirmed the incident on social media, stating, “There were a small number of protesters at the airport this morning, who have been arrested and are being removed from the airport. London Gatwick is operating as normal. Thank you to the security teams and Sussex Police for responding so quickly.”
Just Stop Oil is part of a global movement advocating for urgent governmental action to combat climate change by ceasing the extraction and use of fossil fuels by the end of the decade. Despite today’s protest, Gatwick Airport has assured passengers that operations continue without interruption.
