While the takeoff offers interesting plateau views from the right, the landing approach into London City Airport from the left provides far more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Thames, Isle of Dogs, and London's iconic skyline make the left side the clear winner for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), the Atlas Mountains (Morocco/Algeria border), the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Europe (Spain, France). Over North Africa, expect views of the vast sand dunes and rocky plateaus of the Sahara. The Atlas Mountains appear as a dramatic north-south ridge along the northwestern edge of the desert. Crossing into Europe, the Mediterranean coastline and southern European terrain become visible, including parts of Spain and France before the final approach across the English Channel into London.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bloemfontein (BFN) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bloemfontein to London. While the takeoff offers interesting plateau views from the right, the landing approach into London City Airport from the left provides far more dramatic and recognizable scenery—the Thames, Isle of Dogs, and London's iconic skyline make the left side the clear winner for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Bloemfontein in Bloemfontein?
During takeoff from Bloemfontein (BFN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the central South African plateau and the gradual descent toward the Vaal River valley. The terrain transitions from the high interior plateau down toward lower elevations, providing clear visual geography of the region's topography. Notable sights include: Central South African plateau, Vaal River valley, Free State grasslands, scattered mining operations and agricultural areas.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during the final descent into London City Airport. The approach path crosses the Thames estuary and the eastern approaches to London, offering views of the river's distinctive meanders, the Isle of Dogs, and central London's skyline. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders, Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf district, central London skyline.
How long is the flight from Bloemfontein to London?
The flight from Bloemfontein (BFN) to City (LCY) takes 11h 15m.
What does the Bloemfontein to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), the Atlas Mountains (Morocco/Algeria border), the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Europe (Spain, France). Over North Africa, expect views of the vast sand dunes and rocky plateaus of the Sahara. The Atlas Mountains appear as a dramatic north-south ridge along the northwestern edge of the desert. Crossing into Europe, the Mediterranean coastline and southern European terrain become visible, including parts of Spain and France before the final approach across the English Channel into London.