About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuala Lumpur to London. The right side delivers the more dramatic single moment of the flight — the KL skyline and Petronas Towers on departure — whereas the Gatwick arrival on the left is pleasant English countryside but relatively unremarkable. For the long overwater cruise across the Bay of Bengal, India, and the Middle East, neither side has a decisive advantage, so the takeoff spectacle tips it to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
During takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. KLIA's primary departure runway 32R sends aircraft on a northwesterly heading, putting the right side facing northeast toward Kuala Lumpur city centre and the Titiwangsa Range. You get a clear view of the KL skyline including the Petronas Towers as the aircraft climbs and banks, with the jungle-covered Main Range stretching to the northeast. Notable sights include: Petronas Twin Towers and KL city skyline, Titiwangsa/Main Range mountains, Putrajaya government district to the south, Klang Valley urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick predominantly uses runway 26L for westerly landings, meaning the approach track is from the east over the Surrey/Sussex countryside. The left side faces south, giving views over the South Downs and the English Channel coast near Brighton and Worthing on final approach. On easterly landings using runway 08R, the left side faces north toward central London and the Thames. Notable sights include: South Downs ridge and escarpment, English Channel coastline near Brighton, Surrey Hills and Weald farmland, Crawley town directly below on short final.
How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to London?
The flight from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.
What does the Kuala Lumpur to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Strait of Malacca, crosses the Andaman Sea, then transits the Indian subcontinent over Chennai and central India, crosses the Arabian Sea, overflies Oman and the Persian Gulf states, then tracks across Iran, Turkey, and southeastern Europe before descending over France and the English Channel into Gatwick. Notable features include the Himalayas visible to the north on the India segment on clear days, the Persian Gulf coastline, and the Bosphorus and Aegean Sea over Turkey and Greece.