An Extinction Rebellion co-founder declared Heathrow expansion "a crime against humanity" as he appeared in court charged with attempting to cause disruption at Britain's busiest airport using a drone.

Roger Hallam, of Putney Bridge Road in Wandsworth, was arrested near the major transport hub on Saturday.

He was applauded by a group of supporters as he entered the dock at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Monday wearing a grey jumper over an orange, white and black striped shirt.

The 53-year-old is accused of one charge of conspiring to cause a public nuisance between August 1 and September 14, namely conspiring with others to fly drones near Heathrow airport "in order to cause widespread disruption".

He had been on police bail when he was detained at the weekend, with conditions including not being near the airport or possessing drone equipment, the court heard.

The action was part of ongoing protest activity by environmental campaign group Extinction Rebellion (XR).

A splinter group of XR, called Heathrow Pause, had been trying to interrupt flights by flying drones in the 5km exclusion zone around the airport.

No pleas were entered during the brief hearing and the case will next be heard at Isleworth Crown Court on October 14.

Hallam Wandsworth, confirmed his name as Julian Roger Hallam, his date of birth, and that he is a British citizen.

Asked if he would like to say anything on his behalf, he said: "Heathrow expansion constitutes a crime against humanity, against the next generation."

No bail application was made and Hallam was remanded in custody.