Funchal to London flight pathFNCLGW

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 35m
Distance1,526
Heading028° → 040°
Best side
RightMostly right

Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Madeira's volcanic peaks and northern cliffs during takeoff, then the Atlantic crossing, and reasonable views of southern England during descent. Left seats miss Madeira's best features entirely.

Flown FNC to LGW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Funchal to London is 1,526 miles (2,456 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay, with the Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal coast) visible to the left during the northbound climb phase. The Atlantic Ocean dominates the mid-flight portion. As the aircraft approaches the UK, the Cornish coast and Devon coastline become visible on the left side, followed by the English Channel and southern English countryside.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from FNC

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer immediate views of Madeira's dramatic volcanic terrain and the island's northern coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Funchal.

Pico do Arieiro (1818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1861 m) volcanic peaksMadeira's rugged northern coast with steep cliffs
FNC Cristiano Ronaldo International AirportFunchal, Portugal
Aerial window seat view during landing at London (left side) — Surrey Hills and North Downs ridgelines, Weald agricultural plains, Thames River valley to the north, London's urban sprawl visible on the distant northern horizon

Landing at LGW

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views of southern England's landscape during descent into Gatwick, including the Weald, Surrey Hills, and the approach over the Sussex countryside.

Surrey Hills and North Downs ridgelinesWeald agricultural plainsThames River valley to the northLondon's urban sprawl visible on the distant northern horizon
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) to Gatwick (LGW)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Funchal to London. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Madeira's volcanic peaks and northern cliffs during takeoff, then the Atlantic crossing, and reasonable views of southern England during descent. Left seats miss Madeira's best features entirely.

What can I see during takeoff from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal?

During takeoff from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Madeira's dramatic volcanic terrain and the island's northern coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Funchal. Notable sights include: Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,861 m) volcanic peaks, Madeira's rugged northern coast with steep cliffs, Atlantic Ocean extending northward.

What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?

When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of southern England's landscape during descent into Gatwick, including the Weald, Surrey Hills, and the approach over the Sussex countryside. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills and North Downs ridgelines, Weald agricultural plains, Thames River valley to the north, London's urban sprawl visible on the distant northern horizon.

How long is the flight from Funchal to London?

The flight from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,526 miles (2,456 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Funchal to London flight path pass over?

The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay, with the Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal coast) visible to the left during the northbound climb phase. The Atlantic Ocean dominates the mid-flight portion. As the aircraft approaches the UK, the Cornish coast and Devon coastline become visible on the left side, followed by the English Channel and southern English countryside.