Fathers 4 Justice protesters arrested at Heathrow - Heathrow Airport News

Airport news for Heathrow on 19/03/2009.

Arrange your travel plans by choosing from car hire, hotels, flights, airport parking and travel insurance using our form.

The demonstrators made the attempt to gain access to the airfield on Wednesday just after 10:00am, and according to airport operator BAA, were “quickly apprehended and arrested and are now in police custody.”

BAA was critical of the pair’s actions: “This was a misguided and ultimately unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Heathrow’s passengers, and we condemn the actions of those involved unreservedly.”

The operator said that activity on Heathrow’s southern runway was suspended for about 14 minutes as a result of the incident, “but the protest had no substantial impact to the airport’s operation.”

According to Matt O’Connor, the founder of Fathers 4 Justice, the detained protesters were part of a splinter group, but he was not able to provide any other information.

He indicated that further protesters could be expected as angry fathers “take the mantle back” from the environmentalists belonging to Plane Stupid, who have been in the headlines after a number of recent high-profile stunts.

O’Connor added: “It will be Fathers 4 Justice protesters. I understand it is part of a series of protests. In recent months Plane Stupid have taken the mantle, I think some people might be looking at taking the mantle back.”

More Airport News