Left seats capture the dramatic Turkish coastline and mountains during departure, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. The landing approach into Gatwick offers modest topographic interest on either side, so the superior takeoff view tips the overall advantage to left.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean north of Cyprus, then over Greece (Peloponnese visible if daylight permits), continues over the Balkans (Albanian and Greek mountains), crosses Italy (Apennines visible as a north-south ridge), then over the Alps (if routed via southern France) or directly over France toward the English Channel. The Channel crossing itself offers views of the French coast near Normandy and the white cliffs of Dover area on approach to UK airspace.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dalaman (DLM) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dalaman to London. Left seats capture the dramatic Turkish coastline and mountains during departure, which is the most visually distinctive segment of this route. The landing approach into Gatwick offers modest topographic interest on either side, so the superior takeoff view tips the overall advantage to left.
What can I see during takeoff from Dalaman in Dalaman?
During takeoff from Dalaman (DLM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dalaman typically departs to the west or northwest. Left seats face toward the Taurus Mountains and the Turkish Mediterranean coastline, offering dramatic relief and color contrast. Right seats see inland plateau terrain that's visually flatter. Notable sights include: Taurus Mountains (snow-capped peaks receding northward), Dalaman River delta (silver-gray wetland immediately below during initial climb), Mediterranean Sea (turquoise water to the southwest), Ekincik Bay (visible as an indentation in the coastline to the west).
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick uses parallel runways (08L/08R for landing from the east, or 26L/26R from the west depending on wind). On typical easterly approaches, right seats face south toward the North Downs and the Surrey Hills, which provide visible topographic relief. Left seats see the relatively flat terrain north toward London. Notable sights include: North Downs (chalk ridge visible as a subtle elevation change running east-west), Surrey Hills (forested ridgeline to the south), Mole River valley (linear feature cutting through the landscape), patchwork of green fields and suburban development (characteristic of southern England's commuter belt).
How long is the flight from Dalaman to London?
The flight from Dalaman (DLM) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Dalaman to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean north of Cyprus, then over Greece (Peloponnese visible if daylight permits), continues over the Balkans (Albanian and Greek mountains), crosses Italy (Apennines visible as a north-south ridge), then over the Alps (if routed via southern France) or directly over France toward the English Channel. The Channel crossing itself offers views of the French coast near Normandy and the white cliffs of Dover area on approach to UK airspace.