Anti-Heathrow expansion demonstrators blocked the busy tunnel leading to Terminals 2 and 3 during a protest on Tuesday (February 21) morning.
It was organised by climate change protest group Rising Up! following the launch of a public consultation and led to huge traffic jams around the airport.
Police say they have made two arrests and the airport, as well as a pro-expansion group, have condemned the protest action.
Heathrow Airport third runway
A total of three cars were used in the tunnel blockage, causing massive tailbacks on the M4 spur road entering the airport, and affecting surrounding roads as well.
Police were called at 8.25am and say the vehicles have been removed, but that delays on the road continue.
A Met Police spokesman said: “Officers attended the inbound tunnel and found three cars blocking the tunnel, with three protesters locked to one of them.
“The drivers of two of the vehicles have been arrested for obstructing a highway.
“Heathrow officers are working with Heathrow Airport staff to remove the people locked to the third car.
“A contra-flow is in place in the outbound tunnel to facilitate the movement of traffic around the blocked tunnel (which is now empty), but motorists are advised possible delays to their journey as this incident is dealt with.”
Transport for London said just after 11am that the tunnel had opened.
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