Heathrow - Frequently Asked Questions

What information is shown?
WebTrak shows information on arriving or departing traffic for Heathrow Airport only and will include the flight number, aircraft type, its height and track.

Where do you get the data information from?
The data that is shown is taken from National Air Traffic Services radar and then is fed into the airport’s noise and track keeping (NTK) computer system. Flight data is processed for public display and is intended to show the general location and flow of flights only.

Can you provide information on aircraft that didn’t land at or depart from Heathrow Airport?
No. WebTrak can only show Heathrow flights. You may see an orange aircraft icon, which is an overflight; this is a flight captured by radar that isn’t a Heathrow flight - this happens very occassionally.

What are the green and red aircraft icons?
The red aircraft are arrivals (flights arriving into Heathrow Airport) and the green aircraft are departures (flights leaving Heathrow Airport.)

How up to date is the information shown?
WebTrak is not able to be viewed in ‘real time’. To maintain aviation security and to ensure accurate data has been processed, there is a minimum 24-hour to 48 hour delay to the flights you can view. This is enforced by the Deprtment for Transport in the UK.

I have a question about a specific aircraft - who do I contact?
If you have any questions or feedback regarding our aircraft operations, then please contact our Operations Communications team on 0800 344 844 or send us an enquiry at noise_complaints@baa.com, more details can be found on the Contact us section of this site.

I have noticed that some aircraft just appear or disappear on the WebTrak display, why is this?
WebTrak shows aircraft that are flying below 15,000 feet. As a result the display will first show aircraft when they descend below this height; this can happen anywhere on the display and so some aircraft can suddenly appear, this is quite normal. Where aircraft are climbing, WebTrak will no longer display its track once they climb above 15,000 feet.

How do I know if the aircraft that I have seen was on the right flight path and flying at the correct height?
Air traffic control are in constant contact with all aircraft that operate, and they define their route and heights. WebTrak does not show Noise Preferential Routes (departure flight paths) therefore, if you feel an aircraft is flying where it should not be, please log your complaint online or contact the Operations Communications team on 0800 344 844.

How can I find out specific details of how Heathrow Airport’s flights operate?
Please send us an email enquiry at noise_complaints@baa.com or call the Operations Communications Team on 0800 344 844.