The pattern of flights to and from Luton Airport depend on whether the wind is coming from the west or the east. This is because aircraft always take off and land into the wind. Westerly winds occur 70% of the time on average. Our track diagrams will help you understand more about the noise impact where you live and work. The darker the colour, the lower (and noisier) the aircraft will be.
Westerly winds
Arrivals affect a wide area top right and descend over Stevenage, St Paul’s Walden and Breachwood Green.
The engines will be throttled back, but the aircraft body, flaps and undercarriage make a loud rumbling noise.
Departures turn left to avoid Caddington and fly over Slip End, Markyate, Flamstead and then the tracks divide.
Engines are throttled up as the aircraft are climbing, though sometimes they remain low as far as Welwyn.
Easterly winds
Arrivals affect a wide area north and west of Luton, descending over Leighton Buzzard, Whipsnade, Kensworth and Caddington.
The engines will be throttled back, but the aircraft body, flaps and undercarriage make a loud rumbling noise.
Departures climb over Breachwood Green and St Paul’s Walden, and the tracks divide over the edge of Stevenage.
Some head north over Hitchin, others south over Kensworth or Wheathampstead.
On the next page we explain which organisations are responsible for regulating the flights at Luton.