A spokesman for the Airport Operators Association (AOA), the trade body for UK airports, said Just Stop Oil activists broke the law by cutting fences to gain access to Stansted Airport.
A spokesperson for the climate activist group said: “We are fully aware that much of what we do is illegal, and that is the goal.”
The AOA continued: “Such actions at the airport are dangerous and threaten the safety of passengers and employees.
“Instead of engaging in counterproductive, disruptive stunts, we call on environmental groups to work with industry to understand and support the hard work aviation is doing to decarbonize its activities, from using greener energy sources for airport operations to sustainably fueling our aircraft.
“This will ensure the UK maintains its reputation as a welcoming, friendly and accessible place for tourists and businesses, and will support the jobs, livelihoods and holidays we all depend on.”
Essex Police later said two women had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with the use of national infrastructure after orange paint was sprayed on two aircraft.
Earlier this week, two other Just Stop Oil campaigners were arrested and released on bail after throwing orange paint powder at Stonehenge.
The group later claimed the paint would wash off in the rain, but English Heritage expressed concern about potential damage to the 5,000-year-old monument as well as rare lichens growing on the stones.
Rowling, the Harry Potter author, later mocked the group on social media, saying: “Public opinion is certainly moving, mostly towards the conclusion that you are being funded by Big Oil.”
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