Alesund to London flight pathAESLGW

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 15m
Distance823
Heading199° → 194°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.5 right

Left side scores higher due to the exceptional scenic quality of the Norwegian departure from Alesund—one of Europe's most visually dramatic fjord airports with immediate mountain and water scenery. While right side offers a superior London landing, the takeoff advantage and the full-flight variety of Norwegian coastal and mountain terrain outweigh the landing benefit. The flight path crosses the North Sea (relatively featureless) for most of the cruise, making the departure experience the decisive factor.

Flown AES to LGW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Alesund to London is 823 miles (1,324 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.

North Sea crossing (open water, no landmarks for approximately 1h 45m of cruise); Scottish coast briefly visible including Firth of Forth and Edinburgh area if flight path tracks southeast; English Channel approach with Kent coastline, white cliffs near Dover, and Sussex coastal plain before Gatwick descent

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from AES

LEFT

Left side captures Alesund's dramatic fjord departure with steep granite cliffs and the distinctive three-peaked Aksla mountain immediately visible during climb-out. The Geirangerfjord and surrounding Sunnmøre Alps create immediate visual drama that right side cannot match.

Aksla mountain (three peaks564m)Geirangerfjord to the southeastSunnmøre Alps ridgeline
AES VigraHub for Widerøe
Aerial window seat view during landing at London (right side) — Thames estuary and winding river, Canary Wharf and City of London skyline, Greater London urban sprawl, North Downs ridge

Landing at LGW

RIGHT

Right side offers the superior London approach, with views of the Thames estuary, Greater London's sprawl, and the distinctive landmarks of central London (Canary Wharf, City of London towers) visible during descent into Gatwick. Left side sees only open English Channel and Kent farmland.

Thames estuary and winding riverCanary Wharf and City of London skylineGreater London urban sprawlNorth Downs ridge
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vigra (AES) to Gatwick (LGW)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alesund to London. Left side scores higher due to the exceptional scenic quality of the Norwegian departure from Alesund—one of Europe's most visually dramatic fjord airports with immediate mountain and water scenery. While right side offers a superior London landing, the takeoff advantage and the full-flight variety of Norwegian coastal and mountain terrain outweigh the landing benefit. The flight path crosses the North Sea (relatively featureless) for most of the cruise, making the departure experience the decisive factor.

What can I see during takeoff from Vigra in Alesund?

During takeoff from Vigra (AES), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Alesund's dramatic fjord departure with steep granite cliffs and the distinctive three-peaked Aksla mountain immediately visible during climb-out. The Geirangerfjord and surrounding Sunnmøre Alps create immediate visual drama that right side cannot match. Notable sights include: Aksla mountain (three peaks, 564m), Geirangerfjord to the southeast, Sunnmøre Alps ridgeline, Alesund harbor and city grid.

What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?

When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers the superior London approach, with views of the Thames estuary, Greater London's sprawl, and the distinctive landmarks of central London (Canary Wharf, City of London towers) visible during descent into Gatwick. Left side sees only open English Channel and Kent farmland. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and winding river, Canary Wharf and City of London skyline, Greater London urban sprawl, North Downs ridge.

How long is the flight from Alesund to London?

The flight from Vigra (AES) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 823 miles (1,324 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Alesund to London flight path pass over?

North Sea crossing (open water, no landmarks for approximately 1h 45m of cruise); Scottish coast briefly visible including Firth of Forth and Edinburgh area if flight path tracks southeast; English Channel approach with Kent coastline, white cliffs near Dover, and Sussex coastal plain before Gatwick descent