Why are planes suddenly flying over my house?
Usually the wind changed. Aircraft take off and land into the wind, so when it shifts, the airport switches runways and the arrival and departure paths move to different neighborhoods. Runway work, weather and new procedures can do it too.
It’s probably the wind
Planes take off and land into the wind. It gives them more lift at lower ground speed, so they need less runway. When the wind changes direction, the airport changes which runway, and which end of it, is in use, and the arrival and departure paths flip with it. A neighborhood that never sees traffic can suddenly have a jet every two minutes, and it can all stop again when the wind swings back.
Other reasons the paths move
- Runway work: a runway closed for repairs pushes everything onto the others, sometimes for weeks.
- Weather: thunderstorms push flights around, and low cloud can change which approach procedures are in use.
- Busy periods: holidays and big events add flights, and airports may open extra arrival routes.
- New procedures: GPS-based routes concentrate traffic onto precise, narrow paths. If a new one is introduced over you, you’ll notice.
- Something else entirely: helicopters, training flights and military aircraft don’t follow airline routes. Our guides on military helicopters and circling planes cover those.
Why they seem louder
Arrivals are lower and slower than departures, and departures are louder but climb away faster. Depending on which runway is in use, you may now be under the low end of one or the other. Cool, still air at night also carries sound further.
Where to raise it
Most large airports run a noise office with a complaint line or online form, and many publish which runways are in use and why. Your local airport’s website is the place to start.
