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Extinction Rebellion activists are planning to “shut down” Heathrow Airport for 10 days this summer by flying drones near the airfield.

The climate change activists vowed to stage demonstrations on June 18 and again for 10 days beginning on July 1, disrupting flights at a peak time for holidaymakers.

Threatening to bring the UK’s busiest airport to a standstill, they are demanding the “immediate” cancellation of plans to build a third runway at the transport hub.

The Met Police responded by promising "firm action against any protester seeking to cause disruption".

Activists warned those who are booked to fly from Heathrow around the time of its protests to change their travel plans.

Extinction Rebellion closing ceremony: In Pictures 11 show all Extinction Rebellion closing ceremony: In Pictures 1/11 Getty Images 2/11 AP 3/11 REUTERS 4/11 Getty Images 5/11 AP 6/11 AFP/Getty Images 7/11 PA 8/11 REUTERS 9/11 REUTERS 10/11 REUTERS 11/11 Getty Images 1/11 Getty Images 2/11 AP 3/11 REUTERS 4/11 Getty Images 5/11 AP 6/11 AFP/Getty Images 7/11 PA 8/11 REUTERS 9/11 REUTERS 10/11 REUTERS 11/11 Getty Images

A document circulated by activists on social media read: “Rebels will use a variety of nonviolent tactics to close down the airport again including, but not limited to, the flying of drones and blocking of public roads leading into the airport.”

It comes after the group staged protests at the same airport over the Easter break, which were part of wider demonstrations aimed at bringing central London traffic to a halt.

Outlining its latest plans, which the group said are in a consultation stage, Extinction Rebellion said: “On June 18, We plan to carry out nonviolent direct action to ensure Heathrow Authorities close the airport for the day, to create a 'pause' in recognition of the genocidal impact of high carbon activities, such as flying, upon the natural world.

“If the Government does not cancel all Heathrow expansion, Extinction Rebellion will act to shut the airport down for up to 10 days from July 1.”

Parliament backed a plan to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport last year, but the expansion faces opposition from local communities and environmentalists.

The protest group acknowledged that families hoping to jet off on holiday at these times would be disrupted. A statement from the group added: “We understand the action will cause disruption to a great number of holiday makers, however we believe that it is necessary given the prospect of far greater disruption caused by ecological and societal collapse, if we don’t act now. Holiday makers are being given advance notice to change travel plans.

Extinction Rebellion’s official statement on the proposed disruption did not mention the use of drones, but a document shared on social media by activists outlined the plan in more detail.

The document read: “The proposal is for rebels to visit the Department of Transport in the weeks before the action and submit letters asking for an immediate cancellation of Government’s Third Runway plans to honour parliament’s declaration of a climate emergency.

“If these demands are not met we will hold a planned picnic and drone session in the fields around Heathrow on June 18 having given full notice to the Heathrow Authorities of our intention to do so.”

“If following this action on June 18 the government has still not taken immediate action, on July 1, and for up to 10 days, rebels will use a variety of nonviolent tactics to close down the airport again including, but not limited to, the flying of drones and blocking of public roads leading into the airport.”

Activists said drone flights would begin in the early hours of the morning and that devices would not be used while planes are in the air.

“Authorities would have full knowledge of the intentions so they will have to close the airport as a duty of care to passengers,” the document continued.

During the last wave of protests at Heathrow, young Extinction Rebellion activists broke down in tears on television as they outline their fears for the “future of this planet”.

In an interview with LBC one boy said: "This is more of a symbolic protest to show the fear... the love that we have for this planet. I'm not afraid of arrest, I'm afraid of the future of this planet.”

"I'm worried that we are going to be the last generation."

A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman said: "We will be developing strong plans in response to this and will take firm action against any protester seeking to cause disruption at this location by committing criminal offences such as obstruction of the highway.

"The airport is part of our national infrastructure and we will not allow illegal activities of some protesters to cause disruption and misery to thousands of travellers.

"We would urge anybody intending to join this event with a view to committing criminal activity, whether peaceful or not, to strongly reconsider."

A Heathrow spokeswoman said staff are working with authorities to address the threat of protests at the airport.

She added: "While we respect the right to peaceful protest and agree with the need to act on climate change, we don’t agree that passengers should have their well-earned holiday plans with family and friends disrupted.

"Passengers should contact their airlines for up to date information on their journeys.”

A spokesman added today: "This is reckless action that if carried out could endanger the lives of the travelling public and our colleagues.

"We agree with the need to act on climate change, but that requires us to work together constructively - not commit serious criminal offences just as hard-working people prepare to spend a well-earned holiday with their family and friends."