About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (BHD) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Belfast to London. While right seats dominate the Belfast departure, left seats provide the superior experience for the longer London arrival sequence. The Thames approach into City Airport offers more sustained, dramatic views of London's iconic geography than the brief Belfast lough departure.
What can I see during takeoff from City in Belfast?
During takeoff from City (BHD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Belfast typically departs runway 07 (eastbound) or 25 (westbound). Right-side seats offer views of Belfast Lough and the surrounding terrain during initial climb. If departing 07, you'll see the lough opening up to the northeast; if 25, the right side captures the city and coastal features as you climb away westbound. Notable sights include: Belfast Lough (immediate foreground), Cave Hill (distinctive flat-topped ridge north of the city), the Castlereagh Hills (rolling terrain southeast), Carrickfergus Castle area (coastal feature on the lough's eastern shore).
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. London City Airport uses runways 09/27. Approaching from the northwest (typical routing from Belfast), left-side seats provide excellent views of central London landmarks during descent. You'll see the Thames meanders, Tower Bridge, and the City of London skyline as you descend toward the Docklands. Notable sights include: The River Thames (dominant serpentine feature), Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (distinctive structures on the north bank), Canary Wharf and the Docklands skyline (modern high-rises), Greenwich Peninsula (the distinctive bulge on the Thames' south bank with the Millennium Dome/O2 Arena).
How long is the flight from Belfast to London?
The flight from City (BHD) to City (LCY) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Belfast to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Irish Sea northwest to southeast. Notable features along the route include the Isle of Man (visible to the right/east during mid-flight if weather permits), the Welsh coast near Anglesey and Conwy (visible to the right during the southern portion of the crossing), and the Cheshire Plain as you approach England. The Pennines form a distant ridge to the right/east in the latter stages of the flight.