Protestors from the local chapter of Extinction Rebellion demonstrated outside Farnborough Airport (EGLF) on Saturday to oppose the expansion of private aviation at the London-area facility. The group, which was joined by prominent environmental activist Greta Thunberg, marched from the center of the town to the airport, calling for all private flights to be banned.
In March, the planning committee of the local Rushmoor Borough Council is expected to consider Farnborough Airport’s application to increase the annual limit on flights from 50,000 to 70,000. Under proposals made in October, the privately owned airport wants to gradually increase the limit between now and 2040, including a rise in the number of permitted weekend movements from 8,900 per year to 18,900. It also wants approval to accept more aircraft weighing between 55 and 80 tonnes to ease restrictions on newer large-cabin jets such as the Bombardier Global 7500.
Farnborough Airport has said that its expansion plans would create around 950 jobs and boost the economy by around £220 million ($277 million). A spokesperson told reporters that most flights at EGLF are being operated for business or corporate travel purposes.
According to Extinction Rebellion, the protest drew around 1,000 people from various groups. However, Farnborough Airport told AIN the number was more like 200 to 300 people.