LONDON, July 29, 2024 (AFP) - Police said they arrested eight climate
protesters at London's Gatwick Airport on Monday after they tried to block
departure gates in the latest disruption at European airports.

"Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of interfering with public
infrastructure", said a police statement, adding that "heightened police
presence should be expected".

Gatwick, Britain's second-busiest airport, was operating normally according
to an airport spokesman.

Just Stop Oil said seven protesters were involved in the disruption, with a
video on the group's social media showing activists sitting on the floor
blocking an entrance to the departure gates.

Passengers appeared to step over the protesters to get past them.

Last week, several pressure groups demanding governments sign an
international treaty phasing out oil, coal and gas extraction and use by the
end of the decade staged protests at airports across Europe.

Ten JSO supporters were arrested for planning to disrupt London Heathrow
airport, with protests also taking place in Germany, Norway, Finland, Spain,
Switzerland and Austria.

Heathrow and Gatwick airports sought court orders to stop environmental
activists from entering their property.

The summer travel season protests are organised by climate groups from 10
countries part of the "Oil Kills" coalition.