Just Stop Oil climate activists filmed themselves breaking into a private airfield at Stansted Airport and spray-painting two private jets orange.
They mistakenly believed Taylor Swift’s jet was parked there, aiming to highlight the environmental impact of private jet travel by the wealthy.
However, police sources later confirmed that Swift’s jet was not at the airfield. Flight tracking data revealed that her plane had landed at Stansted the night before, but was not present during the protest.
Two female activists used a circular saw to cut through a chainlink fence and used fire extinguishers filled with orange paint to vandalize the jets. They were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and interference with national infrastructure.
Just Stop Oil released a statement condemning the “two worlds” where billionaires enjoy luxury travel while others suffer from the consequences of climate change. They emphasized that “billionaires are not untouchable” and that climate breakdown affects everyone.
The incident follows weeks of online scrutiny over Taylor Swift’s frequent use of private jets, with data suggesting extensive travel in 2023. Swift’s legal team had previously sent a cease and desist letter to a student who tracked her jet’s movements, accusing him of stalking and harassment.
A Stansted Airport spokesperson confirmed that the incident did not disrupt any flights and that operations were back to normal. Essex Police arrested the two protesters swiftly and reassured the public about their preparedness to handle such incidents.
