The right side offers the stronger bookend views — Dubai's coastal skyline and Palm Jumeirah at departure, and a distant glimpse of London's skyline at arrival — while the left side is dominated by featureless desert and farmland for most of the flight.
Flown DXB to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to London is 3,401 miles (5,474 km), a flight of about 7 hours 10 minutes.
The route typically crosses the Zagros Mountains of southern Iran or northern Saudi Arabia's desert plateau, then continues over eastern Turkey's highlands, the Black Sea coast, and the Carpathian foothills before crossing central Europe toward the English Channel.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB toward the northwest, the right-side windows face the Persian Gulf coastline, giving passengers a clear view of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina towers, and the turquoise Gulf waters as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows the flat desert interior with little visual interest.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn the typical easterly approach into LGW's runway 26, the aircraft descends over Kent and Surrey before turning south toward the airport, and the right-side windows can catch glimpses of the London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf) in the distance to the north before the final turn. The left side mainly shows unremarkable Surrey farmland and the North Downs ridgeline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to London. The right side offers the stronger bookend views — Dubai's coastal skyline and Palm Jumeirah at departure, and a distant glimpse of London's skyline at arrival — while the left side is dominated by featureless desert and farmland for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DXB toward the northwest, the right-side windows face the Persian Gulf coastline, giving passengers a clear view of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Marina towers, and the turquoise Gulf waters as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows the flat desert interior with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Al Arab, Persian Gulf 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 the typical easterly approach into LGW's runway 26, the aircraft descends over Kent and Surrey before turning south toward the airport, and the right-side windows can catch glimpses of the London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf) in the distance to the north before the final turn. The left side mainly shows unremarkable Surrey farmland and the North Downs ridgeline. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf), North Downs ridge, Surrey countryside, Gatwick's forested surroundings.
How long is the flight from Dubai to London?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 7 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,401 miles (5,474 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to London flight path pass over?
The route typically crosses the Zagros Mountains of southern Iran or northern Saudi Arabia's desert plateau, then continues over eastern Turkey's highlands, the Black Sea coast, and the Carpathian foothills before crossing central Europe toward the English Channel.