What determines the direction that an aircraft takes off or lands?
The main factor which decides the runway direction in use is the prevailing surface wind. Aircraft will always take off and land into wind and this is a universal procedure for any airport runway. If there is no wind (i.e., calm) or there is a crosswind (i.e., straight across the runway) the direction of upper winds (at 1000ft and 3000ft) will be considered when deciding which direction aircraft should operate from. NATS make every effort in calm weather conditions to balance the use of the runway between North and South, in order to minimise the impact of noise disturbance on any one part of the community.
