The left side captures the flight's two most dramatic moments: the Alps rising near the French-Italian border during cruise, and Mount Etna's volcanic profile dominating the final approach into Catania, giving far more variety and drama than the right side's Channel crossing and Mediterranean coastline views.
Flown LGW to CTA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Catania is 1,204 miles (1,938 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the western Alps near the French-Italian border around the Mont Blanc massif before continuing south over the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea toward Sicily.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's westward departure run means a brief right-side glimpse north toward London's distant skyline before the aircraft turns south, followed by the rolling South Downs and the English Channel coastline near Brighton and Beachy Head's chalk cliffs.
Landing at CTA
LEFTOn the more common westerly-wind approach into Catania, the descent path passes north of the field with Mount Etna's volcanic cone filling the left-side horizon, while the Sicilian coast and Ionian Sea unfold below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Catania. The left side captures the flight's two most dramatic moments: the Alps rising near the French-Italian border during cruise, and Mount Etna's volcanic profile dominating the final approach into Catania, giving far more variety and drama than the right side's Channel crossing and Mediterranean coastline views.
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 westward departure run means a brief right-side glimpse north toward London's distant skyline before the aircraft turns south, followed by the rolling South Downs and the English Channel coastline near Brighton and Beachy Head's chalk cliffs. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard/City towers), South Downs ridgeline, Brighton coastline, Beachy Head chalk cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Catania Fontanarossa in Catania?
When landing at Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the more common westerly-wind approach into Catania, the descent path passes north of the field with Mount Etna's volcanic cone filling the left-side horizon, while the Sicilian coast and Ionian Sea unfold below. Notable sights include: Mount Etna's snow-capped summit, Sicilian coastal plain, Ionian Sea, Catania's urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from London to Catania?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,204 miles (1,938 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Catania flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the western Alps near the French-Italian border around the Mont Blanc massif before continuing south over the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea toward Sicily.