Extinction Rebellion is planning to shutdown London City airport for three days later this week.

The climate activists, who have been protesting in Central London, said they planned to occupy both the departure and arrivals hall of the airport with the aim of blocking security.

The plan is to do a “Hong Kong-style occupation”, which saw one of Asia’s busiest hubs paralysed for several days in August in ongoing protests around freedoms in the territory.

Starting on Thursday climate protesters plan to occupy the London City terminal building by “lying, sitting or glueing-on in front of the departure or arrivals gates” in protest at the London airport’s expansion plan.

If that fails, Extinction Rebellion said, activists will block the DLR station and road outside the airport terminal building, to make the group’s “13th site”.

Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Show all 8 1 /8 Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Protesters in costume march down Oxford Street AFP via Getty Images Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Since its inception the group has launched peaceful disruption in cities across the world AFP via Getty Images Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London The group are warning of an environmental "apocalypse". AFP via Getty Images Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London The 'red rebel' costumes have been deployed in a number of Extinction Rebellion protests PA Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Extinction Rebellion protesters holding an opening ceremony at Marble Arch in London for their "International Rebellion" PA Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London A number of blockades on major thoroughfares through Westminster are expected to last two weeks PA Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London The activist group plans to close roads around Westminster and hold a sit-in at London City Airport PA Extinction Rebellion launch fortnight of action at Marble Arch, London Extinction Rebellion takes inspiration from protests including Ghandi’s Satyagraha and the US civil rights movement to bring attention to climate change AFP via Getty Images

The plan is to close the airport for three days.

“As this poses no risk to the airfield safety itself the action is nonviolent, safe and open to everyone,” Extinction Rebellion said.

It added that hundreds were expected to show up for the demonstration, including several co-founders of the movement.

So far this week, more than 500 protesters have been arrested in London as the group embarks on two weeks of demonstrations demanding urgent government action on climate change.

“We are aware of Extinction Rebellion’s threat of protest at London City Airport and are working with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety and security of our passengers, as well as minimising any disruption to their journeys,” said a spokesperson from London City Airport.

“We urge protesters to think twice about preventing hardworking people from travelling, be that families going on holiday from their local airport, tourists visiting London, or small businesses that rely on convenient connections.

“The climate change challenge is a matter for everyone, and we are committed to playing our part in achieving realistic plans to rapidly decarbonise. London City Airport has already reduced emissions by 30 per cent over five years and we are committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as working with partners on initiatives that will significantly reduce overall emissions related to aviation.”

Last month, five climate activists part of Heathrow Pause, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, were arrested near Heathrow airport for trying to fly drones near Europe’s busiest airport. However, their actions failed to have any impact and the airport continued to operate as normal.