Black Lives Matters Protester Disrupt Airport, Flight Cancel n Delayed

In a statement Black Lives Matter UK said that activists are carrying out the demonstration "in order to highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people".

Flights at London City Airport have been delayed after Black Lives Matter UK protesters crossed the Royal Docks and "occupied" the runway.

Metropolitan Police said it was called to the airport at 5.40am to reports of protesters "who made their way airside". 

Nine demonstrators erected a tripod on the runway and locked themselves together, Met Police added.

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, being unlawfully airside and of breaching London City Airport bylaws.

Met Police said that of those who have been arrested, two have been removed from the runway.

Scotland Yard said: "Officers negotiated with the protesters and specialist officers arrived to 'unlock' the protesters. 

"Work continues to remove the remaining protesters from the runway."

Flights to Zurich, Geneva, Guernsey and Zurich have been cancelled, while flights which were due to arrive at the airport from Rotterdam, Luxembourg, New York and Frankfurt have all been diverted.

It is believed that activists reached the runway after crossing the Royal Docks in a rubber dinghy.

It added that the planned expansion of London City Airport "consigns the local community in Newham to further deterioration of their environment".

The statement read: "The average salary of a London City Airport user is €136,000 (£113,800) and 63% of them work in business, finance or other business services.

"It is an airport designed for the wealthy. 

"At the same time 40% of Newham's population struggle to survive on £20,000 or less."

Black Lives Matter UK spokeswoman said: "Today we are saying all black lives matter and that includes the lives of those who live close to airports, people who are going to grow up with asthma and skin conditions.