While landing views on the left are spectacular, the takeoff experience on the right—featuring the dramatic transition from Johannesburg's urban core to the open highveld—offers more sustained visual interest. The right side also captures better views during the long African portion of the flight.
Flown JNB to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to London is 5,632 miles (9,063 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses central Africa, passing over the Congo Basin rainforest (largely obscured by cloud cover in typical conditions), then transitions over the Sahara Desert. Notable visible features include: the Congo River system (when visible through breaks in cloud), the Niger River valley in West Africa, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco/Algeria (northern edge visible on approach to Mediterranean), the Mediterranean Sea crossing, and the European continent with the Alps visible on clear days before descent into London.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl and the surrounding highveld plateau as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the city grid fade into open grassland and scattered mining operations that characterize the Witwatersrand region.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames estuary, the distinctive meanders of the River Thames through East London, and the urban fabric of Greater London as you approach from the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to London. While landing views on the left are spectacular, the takeoff experience on the right—featuring the dramatic transition from Johannesburg's urban core to the open highveld—offers more sustained visual interest. The right side also captures better views during the long African portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Johannesburg's urban sprawl and the surrounding highveld plateau as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the city grid fade into open grassland and scattered mining operations that characterize the Witwatersrand region. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Witwatersrand ridge line, open highveld grassland, scattered mine dumps and tailings.
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. You'll see the Thames estuary, the distinctive meanders of the River Thames through East London, and the urban fabric of Greater London as you approach from the southeast. Notable sights include: River Thames and its meanders, Thames estuary and North Sea coast, Greater London urban sprawl, Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to London?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to City (LCY) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,632 miles (9,063 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Africa, passing over the Congo Basin rainforest (largely obscured by cloud cover in typical conditions), then transitions over the Sahara Desert. Notable visible features include: the Congo River system (when visible through breaks in cloud), the Niger River valley in West Africa, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco/Algeria (northern edge visible on approach to Mediterranean), the Mediterranean Sea crossing, and the European continent with the Alps visible on clear days before descent into London.