;

My Account

Manage Bookings Logout

My Flight

remove
This time slot is currently unavailable, please try a different slot
This time slot is currently unavailable, please try a different slot

Hotel Extras

Ensuring that your holidays are appropriately protected is one of our main priorities. That's why we have partnered with Holiday Extras so you can get a travel insurance quote to protect you before and whilst you are travelling. Holiday Extras Cover Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and has been independently rated 5-stars by Defaqto.

For more information or to obtain a quote, please go to their website - click the link below or call them on 0800 083 3551 to speak to a friendly advisor. Please quote BE197 upon calling.

More info

GBP = 1136.10 EUR

More info
More info

 

Air noise is created by aircraft approaching or taking off from airports and by aircraft taxiing/manoeuvring around the airfield.

This noise is caused by two main factors:

  • By air moving over the aircraft’s fuselage (body) and wings – collectively known as the airframe
  • By the aircraft engines themselves.

When air moves over the aircraft fuselage, it causes friction and turbulence, which creates noise. The amount of noise created varies according to aircraft size and type as well as the way the aircraft is flown such as speed, the angle of approach and the way in which wing flaps are deployed. This means noise can differ, even for identical aircraft.

Engine noise is created by the sound of the engine’s moving parts and by the sound of the air being expelled at high speed once it has passed through the engine or propellers.

Noise is a very subjective issue and each person reacts differently to it. A noise which one person is affected by may not necessarily affect the next person. The time, the location and circumstances of any noise heard can all produce different reactions. Attitudes and reactions to noise are as important as the noise level experienced, but these attitudes are less understood than the technical science of sound-generation and measurement.

Aircraft noise tat SOU

A key part of our noise strategy is to give out as much information as possible and to provide our neighbours and stakeholders with an insight into what is going on at Southampton International Airport. The following pages have been designed to provide information on aircraft noise and the mitigation measures in place to lessen the impact on our neighbours.

Flying Controls

There are very strict limits on the number of scheduled night flights that we may operate during the night period. We define the night period from 23:00 to 06:00, or to 07:30 on Sunday mornings. The airport is permitted to operate 10 scheduled night flights per month, but not more than 100 in any 12 month period. However, occasionally flights operate during these times for unexpected reasons such as poor weather or as a result of en route air traffic control delays. Additionally some ambulance flights carrying patients or transporting donor organs are accepted during night hours, for emergency medical reasons.

Weather

The direction that aircraft take off or land depends on the wind direction. For performance and safety reasons, aircraft will take off and land into wind. Due to prevailing south west winds, around 70% of aircraft movements arrive from the North and depart to the South. When the wind is calm, the direction of runway is determined by the wind direction at between 1000ft and 3000ft. On the unusual occasion that the wind is light and variable at 3000ft, several factors are taken into consideration when determining which runway direction to use, including the most accurate approach system for arrivals, the weather, and the current air traffic in airspace around the airport. Due to the geography around Southampton Airport and its effect on the local weather patterns, it is important to note that the runway in use can change many times in a day.

If the wind is calm at ground level, the wind direction at 1000ft plus may determine the runway in use. Aircraft aim to get as high as possible, as quickly as possible, therefore, winds at altitude are a key factor in flight planning.

If aircraft land from the north or depart to the south i.e. from the Eastleigh end, in aviation terms they are described as using runway 20 as they are following a compass heading of 200 degrees. If aircraft land from the south or depart to the north i.e. from the Southampton end, they are described as using runway 02 and will be following a heading of 020 degrees. These numbers are clearly marked on the respective ends of the runway.

Aircraft Activity to the North

Aircraft arriving from the North will utilise one of two approach methods to arrive into the airport.

Aircraft Activity to the South

Aircraft arriving from the South will utilise one of three approach methods to arrive into the airport.

Community Forums

The Consultative Committee meets three times a year, to review the airport’s latest developments, monitor the airport’s adherence to regulations which minimise noise, as well as evaluate the levels of community feedback received by the airport. The committee has over 20 members, consisting of a range of stakeholders including local councillors and officers, resident associations, disability groups, industry bodies and airport users. The Consultative Committee is independently chaired, with the following purpose:

  • To act as a means of consultation in relation to Southampton Airport in accordance with the provisions of Section 35 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982.
  • It allows the concerns of interested parties to be raised and taken into account by the airport operator, with a genuine desire on all sides to resolve any issues that may emerge.

Noise Insulation

As part of Section 106 Agreement, Southampton Airport made a commitment to introduce a Noise Insulation Scheme.

The Scheme has been established to provide an opportunity for eligible properties to apply for noise insulation to their properties.  The NIS reflects our aim to be respectful of the local community and our impact on people who live and learn in close proximity to Southampton Airport. The management of the NIS is overseen by an independent management committee made up of airport managers and representatives of the local communities, known as the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC).

Eligibility for Southampton Airport's noise insulation scheme is determined by the 60dBLAeq,16h summer noise contour. This is set out in the airport's Section 106 agreement with Eastleigh Borough Council. The noise contours are calculated in line with DfT guidance and updated annually. You can view the 2024 60dB contour map here. You can find more information about how we determine eligibility and more information on the scheme here.  

View the High Resolution Map

Noise Action Plan

Southampton Airport is required to develop and maintain an action plan designed to manage noise issues and effects arising from aircraft arriving and departing the airport, including noise mitigation measures where necessary.

Noise Action Plans are a legal requirement under Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise. This Directive is commonly referred to as the Environmental Noise Directive or END4 and the requirements are laid down by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

In 2022 we reviewed our Noise Action Plan, and following a public consultation, we revised our plan based on feedback received by members of the Southampton Airport Consultative Committee, local residents and other stakeholders. Our final proposal was submitted to DEFRA and formally adopted in 2024. Our Noise Action Plan is now live and covers the period 2023 – 2027.

The Noise Action Plan is available here. In addition, a full breakdown of the Public Consultation Responses is available here.

Annual Noise Report

We have started to monitor our noise performance on an annual basis. You can now view our 2023 Annual Report here

Southampton Flight Tracking Portal

The Flight Tracking Portal provides live noise tracking data on all flights operating to and from Southampton Airport. This enhanced 3D tool provides our neighbouring communities with a modelled, real-time noise footprint for all air traffic movements operating on the flight path relevant to their property. You can access the tool here

Contacts and Useful Links

To register a noise complaint please fill in the form below.

OFCOM for TV signal concerns

Noise FAQs

The current noise preferred routes have been in operation since 2007 and are reviewed as part of the Technical Working Group’s remit. The current routes were introduced following a consultation with stakeholders and local residents and if the airport was to change any routes, the same level of consultation would be required. However, the noise preferred routes may not be followed by certain types of aircraft or due to various safety reasons. Please see the aircraft activity to the south and aircraft activity to the North sections for more information in your area.

Flight paths can also be influenced by wind direction as this dictates the direction in which aircraft can take off or land. Please see the weather section for more information.

Flight paths in the wider airspace away from the airport can vary and are directed by NATS. All flights are sequenced with other traffic arriving and departing Bournemouth airport, Heathrow and Gatwick and other aerodromes in the area so activity at these locations can affect flight paths taken.

Noise Complaints

We recognise that noise can be an important issue for our local communities.  This Policy explains how enquiries and complaints are received and investigated, and outlines the process for those wishing to make a complaint.

We will register and investigate all complaints.  However, to do so, we require as a minimum your name, address, postcode, and specific details of your complaint.  This should include the date and time of an incident and the reason for your complaint (noise, off-track, low flying aircraft etc.) All personal information provided will be handled in line with our published privacy notice.

Whilst we appreciate that this may be an emotive issue for some, please note that we will not respond to anyone using threatening/abusive language or otherwise choosing to engage with us in a non-constructive manner.

Airspace Change

You can find out more about our Airspace Change programme on our website here.

Noise Complaint Form

Please note that your personal data will be processed in accordance with Southampton Airport’s Privacy Notice.

In the first instance, all questions and concerns should be submitted via the above noise complaint form.

If you experience any technical difficulties, you can forward your enquiry to sounoisecomplaints@southamptonairport.com

This website uses cookies

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services.

Cookie Settings

By clicking "Accept all cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage and assiste in our marketing efforts