Posted on December 08, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Over 50 campaigners were removed from a closed runway in London’s Stansted airport this morning after a group of protestors forced their way into a secure area of the airport.  Flights from other European destinations scheduled to land at the terminal were being held at airports across the continent while demonstrators were being dealt with.

Several outbound flights were also delayed or cancelled altough the runway was re-opened at 08:10 am.  Police made 29 arrests at the scene.

The demonstration began at 3.15am when 54 campaigners occupied a runway that had been closed for maintenance work, according to Plane Stupid, the group behind the demonstration.

The group are protesting over the government’s decision to allow the expansion of Stansted Arport with a second runway. 

In a statement to the press, BAA, the operator of Stansted Airport said: “Due to the event the runway is losed and will will continue to be so until further notice.  The advice to passengers is to contact their airlines dirrectly who can advise them but we are expecting delays.”

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