Takeoff from Chania offers superior scenery with dramatic mountain views and Mediterranean coastline. While landing into London City provides urban interest, the outbound experience is more visually distinctive.
Flown CHQ to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chania to London is 1,622 miles (2,610 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ionian Sea and central Mediterranean, passing over southern Italy (Calabria and Sicily visible on the right side during mid-flight), then continues northwest over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the Italian coast near Naples. The Alps appear on the left as the route progresses toward France, followed by the English Channel crossing before descent into London. Key visible features include the Strait of Messina between Sicily and mainland Italy, the Bay of Naples, the Alps' northern foothills, and the French coastline near the Channel.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHQ
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rising directly inland from Chania, and the Cretan coastline curving eastward. Right side faces open sea with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the city. Left side faces Essex countryside with less distinctive landmarks during final descent into City Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Souda (CHQ) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chania to London. Takeoff from Chania offers superior scenery with dramatic mountain views and Mediterranean coastline. While landing into London City provides urban interest, the outbound experience is more visually distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Souda in Chania?
During takeoff from Souda (CHQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) rising directly inland from Chania, and the Cretan coastline curving eastward. Right side faces open sea with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to the south and southeast, Chania city and harbor below, Cretan coastline extending east toward Rethymno, Aegean Sea to the north.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Thames estuary, London's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the city. Left side faces Essex countryside with less distinctive landmarks during final descent into City Airport. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends, London's central business district and skyscrapers, Canary Wharf towers, Isle of Dogs peninsula.
How long is the flight from Chania to London?
The flight from Souda (CHQ) to City (LCY) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chania to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ionian Sea and central Mediterranean, passing over southern Italy (Calabria and Sicily visible on the right side during mid-flight), then continues northwest over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward the Italian coast near Naples. The Alps appear on the left as the route progresses toward France, followed by the English Channel crossing before descent into London. Key visible features include the Strait of Messina between Sicily and mainland Italy, the Bay of Naples, the Alps' northern foothills, and the French coastline near the Channel.