Gibraltar to London is 1,086 miles (1,747 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare close-up of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Strait during departure, and the classic Thames/London skyline sequence during the Heathrow approach, while the right side mostly shows featureless Spanish plateau and Bay of Biscay cloud cover.
Flight Path
Cruise track passes over the plains of Extremadura and central Spain, with the Sierra de Gredos occasionally visible to the south, before crossing the Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux and continuing over the French Atlantic lowlands toward the English Channel.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from GIB
LEFTDeparting GIB on runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over the Bay of Algeciras and then banks north toward Spain, keeping the Rock of Gibraltar and the Strait on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a dramatic last look at the limestone monolith, the harbor, and the North African coastline fading into the haze across the Strait.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn the typical westerly approach into LHR, arriving aircraft track in from the east and follow the Thames corridor before turning onto final for 27L/27R, putting central London on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a sweeping view of the river, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline before the final descent into Heathrow's suburban approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gibraltar (GIB) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gibraltar to London. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a rare close-up of the Rock of Gibraltar and the Strait during departure, and the classic Thames/London skyline sequence during the Heathrow approach, while the right side mostly shows featureless Spanish plateau and Bay of Biscay cloud cover.
What can I see during takeoff from Gibraltar in Gibraltar?
During takeoff from Gibraltar (GIB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing GIB on runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over the Bay of Algeciras and then banks north toward Spain, keeping the Rock of Gibraltar and the Strait on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a dramatic last look at the limestone monolith, the harbor, and the North African coastline fading into the haze across the Strait. Notable sights include: Rock of Gibraltar, Bay of Algeciras, Strait of Gibraltar, Moroccan coast/Atlas foothills in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westerly approach into LHR, arriving aircraft track in from the east and follow the Thames corridor before turning onto final for 27L/27R, putting central London on the left side of the cabin. Passengers get a sweeping view of the river, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline before the final descent into Heathrow's suburban approach. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, City of London skyline, Isle of Dogs meander.
How long is the flight from Gibraltar to London?
The flight from Gibraltar (GIB) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,086 miles (1,747 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gibraltar to London flight path pass over?
Cruise track passes over the plains of Extremadura and central Spain, with the Sierra de Gredos occasionally visible to the south, before crossing the Bay of Biscay coastline near Bordeaux and continuing over the French Atlantic lowlands toward the English Channel.