London to Alicante is 889 miles (1,431 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The left side strings together the most distinctive scenery of the flight: the Sussex coast on departure, glimpses of the higher eastern Pyrenean peaks near the France-Spain border during cruise, and a genuinely scenic coastal descent past Calpe and Benidorm into Alicante. The right side, by contrast, faces mostly flat interior France and the Spanish plateau with fewer standout features.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint falls near the Pyrenees foothills around Pau/Tarbes in southwest France, where the aircraft crosses the mountain range before descending into Spain's Ebro basin toward Zaragoza.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTAfter departing runway 26, southbound flights to Spain turn left fairly quickly to avoid London's airspace, giving left-side passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex coast near Brighton before the aircraft heads out across the Channel. The right side mostly shows a brief, quickly-lost glimpse of the M25 corridor and flat Surrey/Kent farmland.
Landing at ALC
LEFTOn the descent into Alicante, the route tracks south along the Costa Blanca before turning for the westerly runway 28 approach, putting the coastline on the left side. Passengers get views of the Peñón de Ifach rock at Calpe, the Benidorm high-rise skyline, and finally Alicante's own castle and marina just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Alicante (ALC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Alicante. The left side strings together the most distinctive scenery of the flight: the Sussex coast on departure, glimpses of the higher eastern Pyrenean peaks near the France-Spain border during cruise, and a genuinely scenic coastal descent past Calpe and Benidorm into Alicante. The right side, by contrast, faces mostly flat interior France and the Spanish plateau with fewer standout features.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. After departing runway 26, southbound flights to Spain turn left fairly quickly to avoid London's airspace, giving left-side passengers a view over the South Downs and the Sussex coast near Brighton before the aircraft heads out across the Channel. The right side mostly shows a brief, quickly-lost glimpse of the M25 corridor and flat Surrey/Kent farmland. Notable sights include: South Downs National Park, Brighton and the Sussex coastline, English Channel, Seven Sisters chalk cliffs in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Alicante in Alicante?
When landing at Alicante (ALC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Alicante, the route tracks south along the Costa Blanca before turning for the westerly runway 28 approach, putting the coastline on the left side. Passengers get views of the Peñón de Ifach rock at Calpe, the Benidorm high-rise skyline, and finally Alicante's own castle and marina just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Peñón de Ifach at Calpe, Benidorm skyline, Mediterranean coastline, Santa Bárbara Castle and Alicante marina.
How long is the flight from London to Alicante?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Alicante (ALC) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 889 miles (1,431 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Alicante flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls near the Pyrenees foothills around Pau/Tarbes in southwest France, where the aircraft crosses the mountain range before descending into Spain's Ebro basin toward Zaragoza.