While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Gatwick provides more visually distinctive and varied geography—the North Downs, English countryside, and suburban landscape transitions are more dramatic than the relatively flat Sri Lankan departure.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, the Arabian Peninsula (Oman's coastal regions and interior plateaus), the Persian Gulf region, Iraq and Syria's river valleys, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Europe (Greece, Italy, France) before reaching the English Channel and UK airspace. Notable visible features include the Strait of Hormuz, the Zagros Mountains (Iran's western border), the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), and the Alps on approach to Western Europe.
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Takeoff from
Landing at
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to London. While takeoff offers coastal scenery, the landing approach into Gatwick provides more visually distinctive and varied geography—the North Downs, English countryside, and suburban landscape transitions are more dramatic than the relatively flat Sri Lankan departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the southwestern approach over the Indian Ocean and Colombo's coastal geography. The aircraft departs toward the southwest, offering views of the city's harbor, lagoons, and the western coastline before climbing over open water. Notable sights include: Colombo Harbor and Port City, Bolgoda Lake (large inland lagoon south of the city), Indian Ocean coastline, Colombo's urban sprawl extending inland.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the final approach into Gatwick. The aircraft descends over the Weald of Surrey and Sussex, and left-side passengers see the patchwork of English countryside, the North Downs escarpment, and the approach path over southern London's suburbs before landing. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge (chalk escarpment), Weald agricultural landscape (rolling fields and woodlands), Greater London's southern suburbs and urban sprawl, Gatwick Airport's runway and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Colombo to London?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Gatwick (LGW) takes 10h 15m.
What does the Colombo to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, the Arabian Peninsula (Oman's coastal regions and interior plateaus), the Persian Gulf region, Iraq and Syria's river valleys, the Mediterranean Sea, and southern Europe (Greece, Italy, France) before reaching the English Channel and UK airspace. Notable visible features include the Strait of Hormuz, the Zagros Mountains (Iran's western border), the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), and the Alps on approach to Western Europe.