LCY

Best window seat at City

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offLEFT

Thames River, Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south)

LandingLEFT

River Thames with its characteristic bends, Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf tower complex

🛫 Taking Off from London (LCY)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 27 (westbound) is the prevailing departure direction at LCY. Banking left during climb-out gives you direct views over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the Isle of Dogs—the defining geography of East London. Right-side passengers would see suburban areas and less distinctive terrain.
Look forThames River (directly below/ahead), Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south), Isle of Dogs peninsula (left side), Greenwich Peninsula and Millennium Dome (far left, southeast)
Left window seat view during takeoff from London (LCY) — Thames River (directly below/ahead), Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south), Isle of Dogs peninsula (left side), Greenwich Peninsula and Millennium Dome (far left, southeast)Left Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from London (LCY) — Thames River (directly below/ahead), Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south), Isle of Dogs peninsula (left side), Greenwich Peninsula and Millennium Dome (far left, southeast)Right Side

🛬 Landing at London (LCY)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 27 (westbound, the most common approach), you'll be descending over the Thames and Docklands on your left side. The left window gives you the best views of the river's distinctive meanders, the Isle of Dogs peninsula, and Canary Wharf's skyline as you make your final approach into City Airport.
Look forRiver Thames with its characteristic bends, Isle of Dogs (the peninsula enclosed by the Thames), Canary Wharf tower complex, and the Docklands warehouses and modern developments along the riverbanks
Left window seat view during landing at London (LCY) — River Thames with its characteristic bends, Isle of Dogs (the peninsula enclosed by the Thames), Canary Wharf tower complex, and the Docklands warehouses and modern developments along the riverbanksLeft Side
LondonPhoto: Chengxin Zhao

London City is a compact single-runway airport designed for short-haul business travel, with a steep approach angle required due to its tight urban location. It has one small terminal and primarily handles regional jets and turboprops rather than wide-body aircraft.

⛰️ Elevation20 ft
🛫 Runways1 (09/27)
✈️ HubBritish Airways CityFlyer
📍 NearbyLHR 22 miLGW 27 miSTN 27 miSEN 28 miLTN 31 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at City (LCY)?

At City in London: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Thames River (directly below/ahead), Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south), Isle of Dogs peninsula (left side), Greenwich Peninsula and Millennium Dome (far left, southeast).

What can I see during takeoff from City in London?

When taking off from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 27 (westbound) is the prevailing departure direction at LCY. Banking left during climb-out gives you direct views over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the Isle of Dogs—the defining geography of East London. Right-side passengers would see suburban areas and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Thames River (directly below/ahead), Canary Wharf towers (middle distance, south), Isle of Dogs peninsula (left side), Greenwich Peninsula and Millennium Dome (far left, southeast).

What can I see when landing at City in London?

When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 27 (westbound, the most common approach), you'll be descending over the Thames and Docklands on your left side. The left window gives you the best views of the river's distinctive meanders, the Isle of Dogs peninsula, and Canary Wharf's skyline as you make your final approach into City Airport. Notable sights include: River Thames with its characteristic bends, Isle of Dogs (the peninsula enclosed by the Thames), Canary Wharf tower complex, and the Docklands warehouses and modern developments along the riverbanks.

What factors affect the best window seat at City?

The best window seat at City (LCY) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around London (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.