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Battle lines drawn at Heathrow

London: London’s Heathrow airport is braced for direct action by environmental activists amid fears that the airport will be paralysed this weekend by protesters attempting to shutdown key access roads.

Airport owner BAA has drawn up contingency plans to protect terminals and perimeter fences as it tries to second guess thousands of climate change campaigners who have begun to gather for the launch of an eight-day protest against plans to expand the airport.

Camp organisers agreed to have four police officers stationed on site to try to reduce tension building between campaigners and Scotland Yard.

The organisers have said they primarily intend to target the aviation industry and had ruled out breaking onto the tarmac or going “airside”. But the police and BAA expect anti-capitalist, anti-globalisation protest groups to stage guerilla-style protests. Roads have emerged as a vulnerable link in Heathrow’s infrastructure. Three-quarters of the 1.5 million persons using the airport over the next week are expected to travel by car, bus or taxi. It is understood BAA and the police are preparing for attempts to block roads. It is thought protesters are considering possible direct action on a road tunnel leading to terminals 1, 2 and 3. “Protesters will be putting their own and passengers’ lives at risk if they get on to the runways,” said Shaun Cowlam, BAA logistics director. “The biggest threat to the airport is renegade activists. The more extreme elements pose a more serious threat to the airport.” — © Guardian Newspapers Li mited, 2007

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