About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Johannesburg International (JNB) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to London. While the right side wins at departure for the Joburg skyline and tailings dumps, the left side delivers the superior overall experience. It captures the Nile Valley corridor over Sudan and Egypt — the green ribbon of the Nile against the Sahara is one of the most dramatic geographic contrasts visible from a commercial aircraft — and then delivers the iconic London approach over the Thames and Canary Wharf on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Johannesburg International in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Johannesburg International (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. O.R. Tambo's primary departure runway 03L/03R sends aircraft northward, putting the Johannesburg CBD skyline and the Witwatersrand ridge to the right (east). The right side also gives views over the East Rand mining landscape with its distinctive gold mine tailings dumps — flat-topped yellow-white mounds that are unmistakable from low altitude. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline to the northeast, Witwatersrand ridge running east-west, gold mine tailings dumps of the East Rand, Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant arrival runways 27L/27R bring aircraft in from the east heading west, placing central London — the Thames, the City, Canary Wharf, and the West End — on the left (south) side during the approach. This is one of the most iconic urban approach views in aviation. Notable sights include: Thames River snaking through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, The City of London financial district, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the west on final approach.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to London?
The flight from Johannesburg International (JNB) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 11 hours.
What does the Johannesburg to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks north over Zimbabwe and Zambia (Zambezi River valley visible), then over Tanzania and the East African Rift, crossing the Ethiopian Highlands, then the Sudanese desert with the Nile River as a vivid green corridor through the Sahara, over Egypt with the Nile Delta fanning out into the Mediterranean, across the Mediterranean Sea, over Italy or France depending on routing, then the English Channel before descent into London