An increase in noise and aircraft flying over Stevenage and North Herts is simply a result of extra summer flights, according to Luton Airport.

The Comet has been inundated with letters from readers complaining about the noise and flight paths of aeroplanes heading to the airport during the summer months.

Among them is Alice Fikiori, of Fairview Road in Stevenage. She said: “I am fully aware that my house is under the landing flight path and never had any problems from noise in the last 17 years. With my husband we could enjoy our garden and always slept well. We hardly noticed any disruption.

“This changed dramatically in the past two months, we now have a continuous rumble at significantly increased decibels from aeroplanes day and night, 24/7. This is relentless, unbearable and unacceptable as we cannot enjoy a peaceful sleep or sitting outdoors anymore.”

In response, Luton Airport said: “From January to August this year we received 15 complaints from 12 individuals in the Stevenage area. Seven of those complaints came from five people in August. Queries raised include noise and frequency of aircraft over Stevenage. Periods of hot weather combined with a seasonal increase in flights, particularly during the school summer holidays, do contribute to this.

“We have voluntarily developed noise policies and interventions in a bid to ensure that we minimise the effect on our surrounding community, where possible. In addition to these measures, we work closely with members of the local community through London Luton Airport Consultative Committee, an independent body established for the purpose of consultation, whose job it is to take account of the issues which are of concern to those using the airport, working at it or living around it.”

Earlier this year the airport was given the green light to expand and will cater for 55,000 more flights a year by 2028.