Climate change protestors caused havoc at Heathrow after cutting through fences and staging a lie-in on the runway.
Flights into Heathrow were diverted, delayed and cancelled after a dozen members of Plane Stupid, a group opposing the airport’s expansion plans, cut a hole in the fence and got on to the runway at 3.30am.
The protestors – some which were tied together in pairs – posed for selfies as airport staff tried to remove them.
British Airways has cancelled 17 flights with more than 200 delayed according to flight statistic website, Flight Aware, the majority of which are at Heathrow.
Passengers have been asked to contact their airline if they are due to fly to and from Heathrow.
As TravelMole went to press, Heathrow said that the protesters had been removed and that both runways were operational.
A spokesman said: "This morning a group of people staged a protest on the northern runway. These individuals have since been removed by police.
"Both runways were operational throughout, although there have been some delays and a few cancellations – we are sorry to those passengers who experienced disruption this morning.
"The safety of our passengers and the smooth running of the operation is paramount. Anyone who breaks the law and interferes with the safe operation of the airport can expect to face legal action."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman told the Daily Mail: "At approximately 3.45am officers were alerted to a number of protesters who had made their way airside at Heathrow Airport.
"A small number of these protesters are believed to have chained themselves to a ‘tripod’."
