The right side offers a stronger combination of coastal scenery at departure and the London skyline on arrival, while the cruise phase over East Africa's coast and the Nile corridor also favors the eastward-facing view compared to the largely featureless interior plains visible from the left.
Flown DUR to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Durban to London is 5,922 miles (9,531 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
Mozambique and Tanzania coastline, Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria basin, Nile River valley, Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, and the Mediterranean Sea before crossing into southern Europe
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUR
RIGHTDeparting DUR, the climb-out passes directly over the Durban coastline and harbor, with the Indian Ocean and Golden Mile beachfront visible on the right side as the aircraft turns north. The left side shows only the flat inland suburbs of KwaZulu-Natal.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the westerly approach into LHR, arrivals from the south typically track over southeast England before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the Thames and central London skyline before the final descent into Heathrow. The left side mostly shows Surrey and Berkshire countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Durban to London. The right side offers a stronger combination of coastal scenery at departure and the London skyline on arrival, while the cruise phase over East Africa's coast and the Nile corridor also favors the eastward-facing view compared to the largely featureless interior plains visible from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
During takeoff from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DUR, the climb-out passes directly over the Durban coastline and harbor, with the Indian Ocean and Golden Mile beachfront visible on the right side as the aircraft turns north. The left side shows only the flat inland suburbs of KwaZulu-Natal. Notable sights include: Durban Harbor, Golden Mile beachfront, Indian Ocean coastline, uMngeni River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the westerly approach into LHR, arrivals from the south typically track over southeast England before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers a view of the Thames and central London skyline before the final descent into Heathrow. The left side mostly shows Surrey and Berkshire countryside. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf skyline, Houses of Parliament, Kew Gardens.
How long is the flight from Durban to London?
The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,922 miles (9,531 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Durban to London flight path pass over?
Mozambique and Tanzania coastline, Great Rift Valley, Lake Victoria basin, Nile River valley, Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, and the Mediterranean Sea before crossing into southern Europe