Extinction Rebellion’s attempt to block Farnborough Airport.

They were going to protest against the high levels of CO2 caused by private flights

Hampshire Constabulary prevented Extinction Rebellion’s plans to blockade and close Farnborough Airport.

On Friday, July 16, the environmental protestors had threatened to close all airport exits.

They planned to demonstrate against the excessive carbon dioxide emissions per passenger on private aircraft.

The “large police presence” at the airport when protestors arrived, however, prevented the preparations from moving further.

Fuel barrels, a 4-meter-tall steel tripod, and a stretch limousine were supposed to be used by the climate activists to barricade each entrance.

There were planned protests at the airport gates as well as on a large roundabout adjacent to it by individuals costumed as flight attendants, pilots, and air marshals.

“We can confirm that officers have attended Farnborough Airport this morning (Friday, July 16), following information received about a planned protest at the airport’s perimeter,” a Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson stated.

The intelligence collected led to the deployment of officers at the airport. Officers are still present at the scene, even though the protest has not occurred.

“Our role is to minimise the impact on the airport and its customers, as well as the local community and businesses, to facilitate the protesters’ right to lawful protest, and to ensure the health and safety of those involved.”

“While Farnborough Airport’s flight profile is very different from other airports, its carbon footprint is over 90% less than a commercial passenger airport with a similar number of flights,” a Farnborough Airport spokeswoman continued.

“The airport is carbon neutral for emissions within its control and has recently introduced Sustainable Aviation Fuel to support the decarbonisation of the wider industry.”

Farnborough Airport stated on Monday, July 12, that it will provide Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to all aircraft.

According to the airport, employing SAF can cut aviation emissions by as much as 80%.

The CEO of Farnborough Airport, Simon Geere, states: “We are happy to be able to offer Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel by collaborating with our fuel provider World Fuel Services. The implementation of SAF at Farnborough Airport is a significant milestone in our sustainability program.”

“We are fully committed to a sustainable future and are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to make a greener choice and work with us to play an integral part in delivering against the UK Government’s targets for net zero carbon emissions.”

In contrast, Extinction Rebellion declared that the “amount of SAF needed to fuel the aviation industry would result in the mass destruction of forests and biodiversity” and that they “condemned” the action.

Extinction Rebellion demonstrators allegedly staged a “die-in” at the main gate and occupied both entrances in August 2020 in order to “temporarily close” the airport.