* How many people will be there?

Hopefully hundreds.

* Is it legal?

Yes. Though many things (singing, dancing, handing out leaflets etc…) are against the Heathrow byelaws, wearing a t-shirt is not a crime. So as long as you’re not demonstrating, you’re not breaking the law.

However, you might want to bring a climate-change related book with you to read in the airport, or have a loud climate-change-related conversation with a friend, whilst imbibing a cup of (pricy) coffee …

* Will it be peaceful?

Yes, completely. On 19 February, the Evening Standard published a piece claiming that ‘anarchists’ were planning to ‘flood’ Terminal Five on its opening day, ‘threaten[ing] the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers and creat[ing] a security nightmare.’ Like the Standard’s earlier claims that the (entirely peaceful) climate camp near Heathrow last August would involve the use of ‘hoax suspicious packages’ and ‘assaults on the airport’s security fence’, this is nonsense. The flash mob will be legal, peaceful and fun: people will assemble briefly before dispersing as peacefully and as quietly as they arrived.

* Should I arrive at Heathrow openly wearing my t-shirt?

No. Please do not reveal your t-shirt until 11am. If you want to come wearing it, then wear something over the top of it until 11am.

* What will the flash-mob achieve?

The world’s media will be there. The Government and BAA see the opening of the 5th Terminal as a big opportunity to grab the attention of the media and put the case for airport expansion. The flash mob will help divert the limelight away from BAA and its new terminal, and help to highlight the real problems that airport expansion causes: climate change, noise, air pollution and community destruction.

* Who will be taking part?

Local residents who’ve fought Terminal 5 for so long. People who will lose their homes if a third runway and a 6th terminal go ahead. Local people whose quality of life will be ruined if there is more expansion. People from around London, and further afield, who are concerned about climate change.. Everybody is invited!

* Who’s behind the flash-mob call out?

We are a group of people concerned about climate change and, in particular, the impact of the aviation industry and plans for airport expansion. We are also concerned about the other downsides of airport expansion: noise; community destruction; and air pollution. We are all active in movements for social change, especially the environmental and peace movements. Members of the following organisations have been involved in the planning process on a personal basis: Airport Watch, Bicycology, HACAN Clear Skies, the London World Naked Bike Ride, Plane Stupid and Rising Tide Hastings.