About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Almeria (LEI) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Almeria to London. Left side wins throughout: the Mediterranean coast and Sierra Nevada at departure, then the Iberian plateau, Pyrenees crossing in the distance, Bay of Biscay coastline, and the English countryside on approach. The right side has less distinctive geography for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Almeria in Almeria?
During takeoff from Almeria (LEI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Almeria airport's primary departure runway (26) heads westward, putting the left side facing south toward the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains inland. You get a clear view of the Cabo de Gata volcanic headland and the turquoise Alboran Sea as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada peaks (including Mulhacén, Spain's highest), Cabo de Gata natural park coastline, Almeria city and its Alcazaba fortress, Alboran Sea.
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 primarily uses runway 26L/08R. On approach from the south on runway 26L heading westward, the left side faces south and southwest, giving views over the Surrey Hills, the North Downs, and the urban sprawl of Crawley and Horley below. The right side faces north toward London but is partially obscured by the fuselage angle on final approach. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, M23 motorway corridor.
How long is the flight from Almeria to London?
The flight from Almeria (LEI) to Gatwick (LGW) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Almeria to London flight path pass over?
After leaving Almeria, the route tracks northwest over the Spanish meseta (Castile-La Mancha plateau), crossing the Tagus river valley. The Pyrenees appear as a distant snow-capped wall to the northeast. The flight crosses the Bay of Biscay — a long overwater segment — before making landfall over Brittany or the English Channel coast. The Loire Valley and its agricultural patchwork are visible on the left side over France before the Channel crossing near Cherbourg or Caen.