What are the airport’s operating hours?
The permitted operating hours for Southampton Airport are:

• Monday to Saturday 06:00 - 23:00 and Sunday 07:30 - 23:00.

Do aircraft ever operate after 23:00 hours at night?
We do not currently schedule night movements, however Southampton Airport is permitted 10 night movements per month, after 23:00 and before 06:00 hours. After the airports operations finish at night, the airspace surrounding the airport may still be in use by aircraft visiting other airports and local airfields.

What height will aircraft be whilst in my area?
Aircraft heights will vary depending on many factors including the route taken by the aircraft, your geographical distance from the airport, aircraft/engine type, weather conditions and the weight of aircraft. If you have a question about a specific aircraft movement, the Noise & Flight Evaluation Unit, will be able to provide you with more information.

What is a noise footprint?
A noise footprint is a graphical illustration of the area affected by aircraft noise. Each aircraft type has its own noise footprint, and the noise created is shown in decibels (dB).

What determines the direction that an aircraft takes off or lands?
The main factor which decides the runway direction in use is the prevailing surface wind. Aircraft will always take off and land into wind and this is a universal procedure for any airport runway. If there is no wind (i.e., calm) or there is a crosswind (i.e., straight across the runway) the direction of upper winds (at 1000ft and 3000ft) will be considered when deciding which direction aircraft should operate from. NATS make every effort in calm weather conditions to balance the use of the runway between North and South, in order to minimise the impact of noise disturbance on any one part of the community.

Why do arriving aircraft not follow the path of the River Itchen?
Arriving aircraft are required to align with the runway’s centre line over the less-densely populated Southampton Water area. At this point the aligned aircraft will be just a few minutes flying time from the airport and so will follow a direct course to the runway. Aircraft cannot follow the curves of the river. Departing aircraft are required to bear right, onto the noise preferred route and this takes the aircraft on a route which is approximately aligned over the River Itchen.

What routes are permitted for arriving aircraft from the north (Runway 20)?
There are a number of permitted routes for aircraft arriving from the north. Technical information regarding specific routes is available on page 4. However areas that may see or hear arriving aircraft from the north include, Winchester, Twyford, Colden Common, Chandler’s Ford, Compton, Shawford and Otterbourne. If you have a question about a specific aircraft movement, the Noise & Flight Evaluation Unit, will be able to provide you with more information.

What happens when an aircraft is found not to follow the noise preferred routes?
There are occasions where aircraft are instructed by NATS not to follow the noise preferred routeing, usually due to weather conditions or other air traffic in the area. However, if an aircraft is identified as not following a noise preferred routeing, details of this will be recorded, investigated and we will liaise with NATS or the airline involved as appropriate.

What happens after my complaint has been logged?
All feedback is recorded and investigated in more detail if necessary. The information is reviewed, analysed and presented to the Southampton Airport Consultative Committee, and to the Technical Working Group. It is important for us to listen and engage with local communities in order to understand how our operations effect our neighbours, and make positive changes where possible.

What does National Air Traffic Control Services (NATS) do?
NATS are responsible for managing air traffic within UK airspace and provide air traffic services at many UK airports, including Southampton Airport. NATS’ first priority is safety but they are also concerned with directing air traffic in an efficient manner. When pilots are within controlled airspace, they must follow controllers' instructions. Aircraft in the initial or final stages of their journey are handled by controllers at the airport itself.

What geographic area do the NATS Air Traffic Controllers have responsibility for at Southampton Airport?
The area controlled by NATS at Southampton Airport stretches from the north of Winchester to the Isle of Wight.

Who can I contact about Police and military aircraft, that are unrelated to Southampton Airport?
Military and Police aircraft do operate in this region, sometimes during the night. However, Southampton Airport does not hold any jurisdiction over the movements of Police or military aircraft. Should you have any questions regarding Police aircraft based at Lee-on-Solent, please contact:
Hampshire Constabulary on: 0845 045 45 45.

In order to make a complaint regarding low flying military aircraft, it is necessary to write to the Ministry of
Defence at the following address:

• Ministry of Defence Directorate of Air Staff,
  Complaints and Enquiries Unit,
  Level 5,
  Zone H,
  Main Building,
  Whitehall,
  London,
  SW1A 2HB.