Just Stop Oil Protesters Disrupt Gatwick Airport Operations

Just Stop Oil activists staged a protest at Gatwick Airport this morning, blocking an entrance to the security search area in an effort to disrupt travelers. Seven members of the group entered the South Terminal, claiming that “the situation is currently developing.” Despite the protest, a spokesperson for Gatwick confirmed that the airport remains open and is operating normally, with a small number of protesters arrested and removed from the premises. Images and videos circulating on social media depict the activists sitting on the floor, but reports indicate that most passengers have been able to navigate around the protest with minimal disruption. The Independent has reached out to Sussex Police for additional information regarding the incident. Just Stop Oil has previously stated that their actions are aimed at pressuring political leaders to address climate change more decisively. The Gatwick demonstration is part of a broader international campaign called Oil Kills, which has seen 21 groups across 12 countries protest at 17 airports. The organization emphasizes that as long as political leaders fail to act on climate issues, they will continue to engage in civil resistance. Travel correspondent Simon Calder noted that the protest's timing was strategic, occurring after the morning rush, which likely limited its impact on passenger flow. Last week, Just Stop Oil activists were arrested while allegedly planning a similar disruption at Heathrow Airport, although they did not manage to enter the facility.