Stop that racket! Britain's noisiest airport hotspot revealed - and it's NOT London

Published: 09:35 EDT, 23 September 2026 | Updated: 09:48 EDT, 23 September 2026 For those living near airports or under busy flight paths, aircraft noise can be a seriously unwelcome disturbance.Yet some areas in the UK are affected more severely than others, with takeoffs and landings interrupting everything from afternoons spent in the garden to futile attempts at sleep.But where are you most likely to find yourself reaching for a pair of earmuffs? Research has revealed which UK locations experience the highest levels of aircraft noise, with offending hubs including spots in London, the north of England, Scotland and beyond.The study, from wellness firm Nature’s Best, highlights where residents may be most exposed to the sounds of flights overhead when trying to get a good night’s rest.Luton tops the ranking for the highest level of nighttime aircraft noise with 51 decibels (dB).Luton Airport operates 24 hours a day and allows night flights, which could help explain why the town records a particularly high level of nighttime aircraft noise. Luton Airport tops the ranking of airports exposed to the highest degree of noiseLeeds ranks second at 46 dB. Leeds Bradford Airport sits relatively close to several residential areas, including Yeadon, Horsforth and Rawdon, while also being around eight miles from Leeds city centre. This proximity to built-up areas could help explain why aircraft noise is more noticeable for some residents, particularly those living close to flight paths.London ranks third at 38 dB. With several major airports serving the capital and surrounding area, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City, residents can be exposed to a complex network of flight paths.However, it must be noted that some of the largest airports are subject to specific night-flight restrictions. Leeds records the second-highest level of nighttime aircraft noise Top 10 UK locations with highest level of aircraft noise at night Luton - 51 dBLeeds - 46 dBLondon - 38 dBSouthampton - 36 dBReading - 35 dBLiverpool - 35 dBGlasgow - 35 dBBournemouth - 34 dBAberdeen - 34 dBBradford - 34 dB Further down the ranking, Southampton records 36 dB, while Reading, Liverpool and Glasgow hover around the 35 dB mark. Liverpool John Lennon Airport also operates across a 24-hour period, with specific measures in place to manage noise from nighttime flights.Rounding out the top ten are Bournemouth, Aberdeen and Bradford.