Although the London departure favors the left, the long cruise phase strongly favors the right side, which faces the Alps, the Mediterranean coastline, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula's deserts before the Colombo approach adds a scenic coastal finish. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless cloud-covered Europe and open ocean.
Flown LGW to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Colombo is 5,402 miles (8,694 km), a flight of about 10 hours 40 minutes.
The flight's midpoint falls over the Arabian Peninsula, where the vast sand seas of the Rub' al Khali desert and the arid highlands of Saudi Arabia are visible, with the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coastlines discernible in the distance on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTGatwick departures on runway 26 typically curve south over the Sussex countryside before heading toward the Channel, giving the left side a clear view of the South Downs and the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head as the coast recedes. The right side mostly shows the London suburbs briefly before clouding over with inland England.
Landing at CMB
RIGHTOn approach into Colombo, the flight path typically brings the aircraft in over the Arabian Sea with a turn that puts the city's coastline and harbor on the right side, giving passengers a strong view of Colombo's skyline and the palm-lined coast before touchdown. The left side mostly shows featureless ocean until very late in the descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Colombo. Although the London departure favors the left, the long cruise phase strongly favors the right side, which faces the Alps, the Mediterranean coastline, the Red Sea, and the Arabian Peninsula's deserts before the Colombo approach adds a scenic coastal finish. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless cloud-covered Europe and open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick departures on runway 26 typically curve south over the Sussex countryside before heading toward the Channel, giving the left side a clear view of the South Downs and the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head as the coast recedes. The right side mostly shows the London suburbs briefly before clouding over with inland England. Notable sights include: South Downs, Beachy Head chalk cliffs, English Channel, Sussex coastline.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Colombo, the flight path typically brings the aircraft in over the Arabian Sea with a turn that puts the city's coastline and harbor on the right side, giving passengers a strong view of Colombo's skyline and the palm-lined coast before touchdown. The left side mostly shows featureless ocean until very late in the descent. Notable sights include: Colombo skyline, Colombo Harbor, Sri Lankan west coast beaches, Indian Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Colombo?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 10 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,402 miles (8,694 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Colombo flight path pass over?
The flight's midpoint falls over the Arabian Peninsula, where the vast sand seas of the Rub' al Khali desert and the arid highlands of Saudi Arabia are visible, with the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coastlines discernible in the distance on clear days.