The right side delivers the better takeoff experience over the Surrey Hills and English Channel, and during the long cruise offers views of the Nile Valley over Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, and the Horn of Africa on the right side of the aircraft as it tracks southeast. The landing view on the left is excellent but briefer, so right wins overall for the full journey.
Flown LGW to AMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Ambilobe is 5,334 miles (8,584 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The route tracks southeast over France and the Alps, then across the Mediterranean near Sicily, over Egypt and the Nile Delta, down the Red Sea corridor with the Arabian Peninsula to the left and the Horn of Africa to the right, across the Indian Ocean, then descending over the Mozambique Channel toward northern Madagascar. Key features include the Alps, the Nile Valley and Delta, the Red Sea, the Ethiopian Highlands on the horizon, and the Mozambique Channel before landfall.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's main runway 08R/26L means westbound departures head roughly east initially before turning. For a southeast-bound route to Madagascar, aircraft typically depart on runway 26L heading west then turn south. Right side gives views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs escarpment as you climb out southward. The left side faces built-up Crawley and the Weald with less visual interest.
Landing at AMB
LEFTAmbilobe's small airstrip is oriented roughly northeast-southwest. Approaching from the northwest over the Mozambique Channel, the left side faces inland toward the Tsaratanana Massif and the dramatic river valleys of northern Madagascar. The right side looks back out over open water with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Ambilobe Mahavavy (AMB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Ambilobe. The right side delivers the better takeoff experience over the Surrey Hills and English Channel, and during the long cruise offers views of the Nile Valley over Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, and the Horn of Africa on the right side of the aircraft as it tracks southeast. The landing view on the left is excellent but briefer, so right wins overall for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick's main runway 08R/26L means westbound departures head roughly east initially before turning. For a southeast-bound route to Madagascar, aircraft typically depart on runway 26L heading west then turn south. Right side gives views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs escarpment as you climb out southward. The left side faces built-up Crawley and the Weald with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB ridgeline, the North Downs chalk escarpment, Ashdown Forest heathland to the southeast, the English Channel coastline near Eastbourne as you climb through 15,000ft.
What can I see when landing at Ambilobe Mahavavy in Ambilobe?
When landing at Ambilobe Mahavavy (AMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ambilobe's small airstrip is oriented roughly northeast-southwest. Approaching from the northwest over the Mozambique Channel, the left side faces inland toward the Tsaratanana Massif and the dramatic river valleys of northern Madagascar. The right side looks back out over open water with little to see. Notable sights include: Tsaratanana Massif (Madagascar's highest peaks) to the south, the Mahavavy River delta and estuary below, the dry deciduous forest and red laterite terrain of the Ambilobe plain, the Mozambique Channel coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Ambilobe?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Ambilobe Mahavavy (AMB) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,334 miles (8,584 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Ambilobe flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over France and the Alps, then across the Mediterranean near Sicily, over Egypt and the Nile Delta, down the Red Sea corridor with the Arabian Peninsula to the left and the Horn of Africa to the right, across the Indian Ocean, then descending over the Mozambique Channel toward northern Madagascar. Key features include the Alps, the Nile Valley and Delta, the Red Sea, the Ethiopian Highlands on the horizon, and the Mozambique Channel before landfall.