About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to London. The right seat wins overall because the Cape Town departure view is genuinely world-class — Table Mountain from the air is one of the most dramatic urban mountain panoramas on earth. The London arrival on the left is good but relatively routine for frequent European flyers. The right seat also catches the West African coastline during the long northward leg.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cape Town International's primary departure runway 01 sends aircraft northward, putting Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Atlantic coastline on the right (east) side. You get a direct broadside view of the Table Mountain massif including Devil's Peak and Lion's Head as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. Notable sights include: Table Mountain flat-topped massif, Lion's Head peak, Cape Town city bowl and harbour, False Bay coastline.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant westerly approach on runway 27L/27R brings aircraft in from the east over central London. The left side faces south, giving clear views of the Thames snaking through the city, the City of London skyline, and the South Bank. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: River Thames and its distinctive meanders through London, City of London and Canary Wharf tower clusters, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, Wembley Stadium arch.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to London?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours.
What does the Cape Town to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks north-northwest from Cape Town, crossing the Namibian and Angolan coastline along the South Atlantic, then over the Gulf of Guinea and the Congo Basin rainforest. It passes over West Africa — Nigeria, Niger, and Mali — before crossing the Sahara Desert with its vast sand seas and ergs visible in clear conditions. The Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria appear in the final third of the flight, followed by the Iberian Peninsula and the Bay of Biscay before crossing into southern England.