Check if a home is under Heathrow Airport flight paths before you buy.
Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport, handling a record 84.5 million passengers in 2025. With two runways operating at near-maximum capacity and a controversial third runway now back on the agenda, understanding aircraft noise is essential for anyone buying property in West London, Surrey, or Berkshire.
The areas affected by Heathrow extend far beyond the airport's immediate vicinity. Depending on wind direction and runway configuration, flight paths can impact communities from Richmond in the east to Windsor in the west—and the potential third runway would bring noise to entirely new areas.
Which areas are under Heathrow flight paths?
Heathrow's noise impact depends heavily on wind direction, which determines whether the airport operates in "westerly" or "easterly" mode. The runway alternation system provides some relief, but certain areas bear a disproportionate burden.
London Borough of Hillingdon (Most Affected)
Hayes – Directly under approach and departure paths
West Drayton – Adjacent to airport with constant aircraft activity
Uxbridge – Affected by northern approach routes
Ruislip – Under certain departure corridors
Northwood – Impacted by specific flight patterns
Harefield – Northern areas affected by departures
London Borough of Hounslow
Hounslow – Directly under eastern approach paths
Feltham – Significant noise from landing aircraft
Isleworth – Under arrival corridors
Brentford – Affected during easterly operations
Chiswick – Aircraft stack over this area during delays
Other London Boroughs
Richmond upon Thames – Particularly affected during easterly operations
Ealing – Under departure paths, especially from northern runway
Wandsworth – Affected by certain approach routes
Hammersmith & Fulham – Aircraft visible and audible during approaches
Surrey & Berkshire
Windsor – Historic town directly affected by third runway plans
Datchet – Would be severely impacted by expansion
Eton – Under current and proposed flight paths
Staines-upon-Thames – Adjacent to airport with high noise levels
Egham – Affected by southern departure routes
The Third Runway controversy: what homebuyers need to know
Expansion back on the agenda
In early 2025, the UK government under Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalled renewed support for Heathrow's third runway as part of plans to boost economic growth. The proposed 3.5km runway would be built to the northwest of the existing airport and could take a decade to complete.
This has reignited one of Britain's longest-running planning battles. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called the plans "catastrophic" for climate change, air pollution, and noise levels.
Villages face demolition
If the third runway proceeds, the village of Harmondsworth—with its medieval tithe barn—would be demolished. Parts of Sipson and Longford would also be destroyed, displacing thousands of residents.
For homebuyers, this creates significant uncertainty. Properties in the expansion zone face potential compulsory purchase, while homes in newly affected flight paths would see dramatic increases in noise.
What this means for property buyers
The third runway's future remains uncertain despite government support. Planning, legal challenges, and environmental reviews could take years. However, buyers should consider:
Expansion zone properties – High risk of compulsory purchase if third runway proceeds
Currently quiet areas northwest of Heathrow – Could become significantly noisier
Existing affected areas – May see some redistribution of flights, but unlikely to see major relief
Understanding Heathrow's runway system
Westerly vs Easterly operations
Heathrow's two parallel runways operate differently depending on wind direction:
Westerly Operations (Most Common)
Aircraft land from the east, over London
Aircraft depart to the west, over Windsor and Surrey
Used approximately 70% of the time due to prevailing winds
Easterly Operations
Aircraft land from the west, over Windsor
Aircraft depart to the east, over London
Areas like Richmond and Chiswick experience more noise during easterly operations
Runway alternation
Heathrow operates a runway alternation system designed to give communities periodic respite:
During westerly operations, the runway used for landings switches at 3pm
This means areas under the approach path get relief for half the day
Full daily alternation for easterly operations is still in the planning phase
However, alternation only helps with landing noise. Departure noise patterns are less predictable and depend on aircraft type, weight, and air traffic control instructions.
Night Flights: the early morning issue
Heathrow has restrictions on night flights, but these don't provide complete quiet:
Night quota period: 11:30pm to 6:00am
Voluntary 4:30am start: Airlines voluntarily avoid arrivals before 4:30am, but this isn't absolute
Early morning arrivals: Around 80% of night flights occur between 4:30am and 6:00am
Average of 16 flights land during the early morning period
For many residents, the 4:30am to 6:00am period is the most disruptive—loud enough to wake sleepers but technically outside the strictest night flight restrictions.
Night flight restrictions are currently extended until at least October 2028.O'Hare Noise Tracking Tools
Heathrow noise resources
Several organisations monitor and advocate on Heathrow noise issues:
Heathrow Airport Noise Portal – heathrow.com/noise for complaints and tracking
HACAN (Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee) – Community advocacy group campaigning on noise issues
Heathrow Noise Action Plan 2024-2028 – Official airport strategy for noise management
WebTrak – Flight tracking tool showing historical and real-time paths
A comprehensive My Flight Path report analyses historical data across multiple time periods to give you an accurate picture of what to expect.
How to check flight paths before buying near Heathrow
Given Heathrow's complex operations and uncertain future expansion, checking flight paths is essential for anyone buying in:
West London boroughs
Surrey (particularly near Staines, Egham)
Berkshire (Windsor, Slough areas)
Any area that might be affected by a third runway
Noise patterns vary significantly based on:
Wind direction – Determines westerly vs easterly operations
Time of day – Runway alternation and night restrictions
Season – Weather patterns affect flight paths
Future expansion – Third runway could change everything
A comprehensive My Flight Path flight path report analyses historical data and considers future scenarios to give you the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
How far from Heathrow can you hear aircraft noise?
Aircraft noise from Heathrow can be significant up to 15-20 miles away, particularly under approach paths. Areas like Richmond and Putney, well into central London, experience notable noise during certain operations.
Does aircraft noise affect property values near Heathrow?
Studies consistently show airport noise reduces property values, typically by 5-15% depending on severity. The uncertainty around third runway expansion creates additional risk for properties in potentially affected areas.
What about the third runway—should I avoid buying nearby?
The third runway's future remains uncertain. If you're considering a property in the potential expansion zone (Harmondsworth, Sipson, Longford) or under likely new flight paths, factor in significant risk. The project could proceed, be delayed indefinitely, or be cancelled entirely.
Will runway alternation improve noise for my area?
Runway alternation provides some relief during landing operations, but the benefit varies by location. Areas under departure paths don't benefit from alternation in the same way. A flight path report can show you the specific patterns for your address.
Are early morning flights a problem?
For many residents, the 4:30am-6:00am period is highly disruptive. While technically outside the strictest night restrictions, these early arrivals wake many people. Consider whether you're a light sleeper and how much early morning noise would affect your quality of life.
Check before you buy
Don't let aircraft noise turn your dream home into a regret. Get a detailed My Flight Path Flight Blight Report for any Heathrow affected address before you make an offer.