While the takeoff offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing into London City provides more sustained and visually striking views of major landmarks—the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London—during the critical final descent when viewing angles are optimal. Left-side seats capture these features more directly.
Flown FAO to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Faro to London is 1,075 miles (1,731 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless open water), then passes over Brittany's rocky coastline and inland areas, before crossing the English Channel. The Channel crossing typically occurs around the midpoint, offering views of the Normandy coast, the Channel itself, and the English coast near the Dorset or Hampshire cliffs. The aircraft then follows a southeastern approach corridor toward London City, passing over the Essex countryside and Thames estuary.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Algarve coastline and the Atlantic Ocean immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and right-side windows capture the dramatic rocky cliffs and golden beaches of southern Portugal as the plane gains altitude.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. The aircraft approaches from the southeast over the Thames estuary, and left windows capture the winding River Thames, the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and central London's urban landscape as the plane descends toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Faro (FAO) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Faro to London. While the takeoff offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing into London City provides more sustained and visually striking views of major landmarks—the Thames, Canary Wharf, and central London—during the critical final descent when viewing angles are optimal. Left-side seats capture these features more directly.
What can I see during takeoff from Faro in Faro?
During takeoff from Faro (FAO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Algarve coastline and the Atlantic Ocean immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and right-side windows capture the dramatic rocky cliffs and golden beaches of southern Portugal as the plane gains altitude. Notable sights include: Algarve coastline with red sandstone cliffs, Atlantic Ocean, Ria Formosa lagoon system, Lagos town and harbor.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. The aircraft approaches from the southeast over the Thames estuary, and left windows capture the winding River Thames, the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf's distinctive towers, and central London's urban landscape as the plane descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders, Isle of Dogs peninsula, Canary Wharf financial district, central London skyline.
How long is the flight from Faro to London?
The flight from Faro (FAO) to City (LCY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,075 miles (1,731 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Faro to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay (relatively featureless open water), then passes over Brittany's rocky coastline and inland areas, before crossing the English Channel. The Channel crossing typically occurs around the midpoint, offering views of the Normandy coast, the Channel itself, and the English coast near the Dorset or Hampshire cliffs. The aircraft then follows a southeastern approach corridor toward London City, passing over the Essex countryside and Thames estuary.