Left side wins overall. The takeoff view over Doha's West Bay and the Persian Gulf's vivid turquoise shallows is genuinely spectacular and unique. During the cruise, the left side also tracks better views over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Bosphorus strait near Istanbul, and the Balkans. The landing advantage shifts to the right, but the takeoff and mid-flight scenery on the left outweighs it.
Flown DOH to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Doha to London is 3,240 miles (5,215 km), a flight of about 7 hours.
The route tracks northwest over Saudi Arabia's Nafud desert, then crosses into Jordan and Syria before entering Turkish airspace. Over Turkey the Anatolian plateau is visible, and on clear days the Bosphorus and Istanbul are identifiable from the left side. The route then crosses Bulgaria and Romania, over the Alps or just north of them depending on routing, then across France before the English Channel crossing into southern England. The Alps may appear as a distant white-capped ridge on the left horizon if routing goes via central Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DOH
LEFTDepartures from DOH typically use runway 16/34 or 15/33. On a northwestbound departure toward Europe, a left-side seat gives you views back over Doha city center and the West Bay skyline, plus the shallow turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf spreading out to the west. The right side faces inland toward the flat Qatari desert with little of interest.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn the typical easterly approach to Gatwick runway 26, the aircraft tracks westward. The right side faces north and gives a clear view of the Greater London sprawl, the Thames snaking through it, and on clear days the City of London towers. The left side looks south over the relatively featureless Weald and South Downs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Doha to London. Left side wins overall. The takeoff view over Doha's West Bay and the Persian Gulf's vivid turquoise shallows is genuinely spectacular and unique. During the cruise, the left side also tracks better views over Turkey's Anatolian plateau, the Bosphorus strait near Istanbul, and the Balkans. The landing advantage shifts to the right, but the takeoff and mid-flight scenery on the left outweighs it.
What can I see during takeoff from Hamad International Airport in Doha?
During takeoff from Hamad International Airport (DOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from DOH typically use runway 16/34 or 15/33. On a northwestbound departure toward Europe, a left-side seat gives you views back over Doha city center and the West Bay skyline, plus the shallow turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf spreading out to the west. The right side faces inland toward the flat Qatari desert with little of interest. Notable sights include: Doha West Bay skyscraper cluster, Pearl-Qatar artificial island, shallow Persian Gulf tidal flats, Qatar-Bahrain causeway construction zone visible to the northwest.
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 the typical easterly approach to Gatwick runway 26, the aircraft tracks westward. The right side faces north and gives a clear view of the Greater London sprawl, the Thames snaking through it, and on clear days the City of London towers. The left side looks south over the relatively featureless Weald and South Downs. Notable sights include: Greater London urban sprawl to the north, River Thames visible as a silver ribbon, Surrey Hills and North Downs below, M25 motorway ring visible as a grey arc.
How long is the flight from Doha to London?
The flight from Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 7 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,240 miles (5,215 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Doha to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Saudi Arabia's Nafud desert, then crosses into Jordan and Syria before entering Turkish airspace. Over Turkey the Anatolian plateau is visible, and on clear days the Bosphorus and Istanbul are identifiable from the left side. The route then crosses Bulgaria and Romania, over the Alps or just north of them depending on routing, then across France before the English Channel crossing into southern England. The Alps may appear as a distant white-capped ridge on the left horizon if routing goes via central Europe.