The left side wins overall because the Dubrovnik departure delivers a genuinely dramatic coastal and island panorama that outclasses the more subdued English countryside seen on landing, even though the right side gets a brief skyline glimpse near Gatwick.
Flown DBV to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubrovnik to London is 1,050 miles (1,690 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Dinaric Alps and Bosnian highlands shortly after departure, followed by the Austrian Alps foothills, the Bavarian plain, and the Rhine valley before crossing into the Low Countries and the English Channel toward southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DBV
LEFTDeparting Dubrovnik on runway 29, the initial climb tracks northwest along the Dalmatian coast, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Adriatic, the walled Old Town, and the string of green islands just offshore. The right side only shows the rocky karst hills inland, which are far less distinctive.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn approach to Gatwick's runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east over Kent and Surrey before turning onto final approach heading west. Passengers on the right side get a distant but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline to the north before the final turn, while the left side mostly shows the gentler, less distinctive Sussex countryside.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubrovnik to London. The left side wins overall because the Dubrovnik departure delivers a genuinely dramatic coastal and island panorama that outclasses the more subdued English countryside seen on landing, even though the right side gets a brief skyline glimpse near Gatwick.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik?
During takeoff from Dubrovnik (DBV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Dubrovnik on runway 29, the initial climb tracks northwest along the Dalmatian coast, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Adriatic, the walled Old Town, and the string of green islands just offshore. The right side only shows the rocky karst hills inland, which are far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Dubrovnik Old Town and city walls, Elaphiti Islands, Lokrum Island, Adriatic coastline.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Gatwick's runway 26, the aircraft descends from the east over Kent and Surrey before turning onto final approach heading west. Passengers on the right side get a distant but recognizable glimpse of the London skyline to the north before the final turn, while the left side mostly shows the gentler, less distinctive Sussex countryside. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard, City skyscrapers), North Downs ridgeline, Surrey woodland patchwork.
How long is the flight from Dubrovnik to London?
The flight from Dubrovnik (DBV) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,050 miles (1,690 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubrovnik to London flight path pass over?
Dinaric Alps and Bosnian highlands shortly after departure, followed by the Austrian Alps foothills, the Bavarian plain, and the Rhine valley before crossing into the Low Countries and the English Channel toward southern England.