Reduce Noise from Low Flying Aeroplanes

The EU regulates Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester airports against noise pollution. There are more stringent restrictions at London City and Belfast City airports as they are near or within large cities.
The Government also sets different noise limits for flights during the night and day time to further reduce noise nuisance.

Other measures to reduce noise include:

flying over the least populated areas on take-off whenever practical (noise preferential routes for departing aircraft)

restrictions on night flights (eg partial ban on night flights or complete phase-out of the noisiest aircraft)

grant schemes to install noise insulation in homes affected (for specific information, contact the airport which affects you)

More information can be found on aircraft noise in the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) factsheet Aircraft noise.

More on the UK's aviation policies (opens new window)

Read the CAA factsheet on Aircraft Noise (opens new window)

Find out about the British Aviation Authority's noise consultations (opens new window)

How to complain about aircraft noise

If you want to complain about noise and low flying, you should get in touch with the airport concerned or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA can provide general advice and information, and has published a number of information sheets, including one about aircraft noise. Military aircraft are covered by different rules and complaints of excessive noise or low flying from them can be made through the Ministry of Defence website.

Complain about low flying military aircraft (opens new window)

Visit the Civil Aviation Authority website (opens new window)

Visit the British Airport Authority website (opens new window)

photo of underside of aircraft in flight

Written by Stephen Young