A total of 27 Just Stop Oil supporters have been arrested on suspicion of planning to disrupt airports this summer, the Metropolitan Police said.
Arrests were made in London, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Essex, Manchester, Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk and West Yorkshire.
“Among those detained were several important members of the Just stop the oil who we believe are the main organizers,” the force said.
Four people were arrested on Tuesday after being identified in Gatwick Airport and have since been released on bail.
On Thursday, six more people were arrested at a community center in east London “as part of a publicized event promoting disruption of the airport”.
He knew Officers worked with eight other police forces on Friday to arrest a further 17 suspects at their homes across the country.
All individuals were arrested under a section of the Public Order Act.
The law makes it illegal to conspire to disrupt national infrastructure.
Last week, just stop oil targeted a private airport where Taylor Swift had landed hours before.
Arrests were also made after Stonehenge was sprayed with “orange powder paint”.
Chief Supt Ian Howells, who led the operation, said: “We know that Just Stop Oil are planning to disrupt airports across the country this summer, which is why we are taking swift and robust action now.
“Our position is very clear that anyone who compromises the security of London airports can expect a strong response from officers or security staff.
“Airports are complex operational environments and that is why we are working closely with them, agencies and other partners on this operation.”
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Those released on bail are subject to conditions.
These conditions include not traveling within 1km of any UK airport unless traveling by vehicle or public transport.
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