Aircraft noise at London Stansted

How we manage, monitor and reduce noise for our local community

Entrance to London Stansted Airport terminal exterior with geometric roof design, featuring large glass windows reflecting the sky and structural beams.

If you live or work near an airport, there will be times when you hear aircraft.

We're committed to being a good neighbour. We work continually with airlines, National Air Traffic Services (NATS), local Air Traffic Control and Government agencies to reduce noise for the local community.

This section explains the causes of aircraft noise, how we monitor it, and the support available to residents. You can also report a noise disturbance and track our performance.

Find out more about London Stansted Airport’s operations.

Aircraft noise explained

Learn about the sources and causes of aircraft noise, from take-off and landing to weather and flight paths.

Explore the causes of aircraft noise >

Monitoring aircraft noise

Fixed noise monitors beneath our departure flight paths record aircraft noise at take-off.

We also use mobile monitoring equipment in communities close to the airport. This measures local noise levels and tracks how they change over time.

View noise monitoring reports >

Investigating aircraft noise

Use our self-service tools to investigate a noise disturbance, or contact the Flight Evaluation Unit (FEU) directly.

Report or investigate a disturbance >

Who does what?

Many organisations work with the airport to reduce the impact of aircraft noise. Find out who is responsible for what, from airlines to the government.

See who's responsible for what >

Noise Action Plan

Our Noise Action Plan is a five-year plan to assess, consider and manage aircraft noise at the airport.

It supports the UK Government's objective to limit, and where possible reduce, the number of people significantly affected by aircraft noise. Noise Action Plans are a legal requirement under the Environmental Noise (England) Regulations 2006.

Read the Noise Action Plan >

Noise reduction initiatives

Our latest noise reduction initiatives include flight path trials, airspace consultations and work with local communities.

Find out more >

Local flight restrictions

Aircraft at London Stansted are asked to follow several local operating procedures:

  • Pilots should avoid flying over the centre of Bishop's Stortford, unless for safety reasons

  • Sawbridgeworth and Stansted Mountfitchet should not be overflown below 2,500ft above sea level

  • Aircraft must not fly over St Elizabeth's Centre, Much Hadham, below 4,000ft above sea level

Our noise performance

See how we're performing against our noise commitments, from track-keeping and noise infringements to complaints data and annual reports.

View our performance reports >

Sound Insulation Grant Scheme (SIGS)

The Sound Insulation Grant Scheme (SIGS) helps reduce the impact of aircraft noise on homes near the airport. Grants fund noise mitigation measures to habitable rooms in qualifying residential properties, based on a noise footprint divided into four zones.

The scheme offers the greatest support to those experiencing the greatest noise impact:

  • Zone A — up to £6,200

  • Zone B — up to £9,900

  • Zone C — up to £12,400

  • Zone D — assistance with relocation costs

Grant values are correct as of 1 April 2026 and reviewed annually.

The scheme opens for new applications between 1 April and 31 October each year. You can apply online, check each step on our process map, or see whether your home qualifies on our zone map. Outside this period, you can apply to join the waitlist.

For full information read our full guidance.

More about the scheme

Your home may qualify if it:

  • sits within the scheme boundary (see the zone map above)

  • was built before June 2021

  • is an individual dwelling registered for Council Tax

Some properties are unsuitable for acoustic insulation. These include homes not of standard brick construction, and rooms built into the roof space without standard brick walls.

Listed buildings may need consent from the Local Planning Authority before work begins. Obtaining consent is the householder's responsibility.

Recommended measures may include double glazing, secondary glazing, acoustic loft insulation and external door insulation or replacement. Mechanical ventilation may also be provided where recommended works reduce a property's natural ventilation.

Apply before any work is carried out. Applications cannot be considered retrospectively. Tenants must include a written agreement from their landlord with their application.

Once you've completed the application form, the Managing Agent will contact you about your eligibility.

  1. The Managing Agent confirms your eligibility and passes your details to our partnered surveyors.

  2. The surveyors arrange a survey of your home and send you a copy of the results.

  3. You obtain at least two quotes meeting the STN specification and submit them for review.

  4. Once your quotes are approved, your contractor can begin work.

  5. After completion, send your invoice to the Managing Agent to arrange release of your grant.

You'll be contacted by the Managing Agent, Strutt & Parker. You may also hear from our partnered surveyors, Richard Jackson Ltd. For any questions, email the Community Engagement Team at Community@stanstedairport.com.

A residential property is defined as ‘an individual dwelling registered for Council Tax’.

A habitable room is any room used or intended for sleeping or living, excluding rooms used solely for cooking. It does not include bathrooms, toilets, service rooms, corridors, laundry rooms, hallways or utility rooms.

Yes, you can apply, subject to the survey. If acceptable works such as double or secondary glazing were installed at an eligible property since 2021, and these reduced its natural ventilation, you may qualify. Mechanical ventilation is only available where noise mitigation measures have affected the property's existing ventilation.

No. Eligible works are only those recommended by the Managing Agent and partnered surveyor following inspection. The funding cannot be used for other home improvements or works with no sound insulation benefit.

You choose your own contractor, subject to approval. Provide at least two quotes meeting the STN specification to the Managing Agent before work begins. Work carried out without prior consent may not receive grant payment.

Yes, but at your own cost. The airport accepts no liability for additional works. The Managing Agent may inspect completed work before the grant is paid.

Some non-residential buildings in education, healthcare, worship or community use may be eligible for a bespoke mitigation package. Contact the Managing Agent for details.

Got a question about flight paths, night flights or making a complaint?

View the FAQs >

Useful links

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Passenger guides

Everything you need to know for your journey through London Stansted Airport

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Frequently asked questions

Have a question? Check out our FAQs or get in touch

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