The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the flight: a final London view on departure, a clear line over the Alps and eastern Mediterranean during cruise, and a dramatic Gulf coastline approach into Dubai. The left side spends most of the flight over flat Central European and Middle Eastern terrain with little variation.
Flown LGW to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Dubai is 3,401 miles (5,474 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Alps near Switzerland/Austria, then continues over the Balkans and Turkey, passing near the eastern Mediterranean coastline before tracking over Iraq and Saudi Arabia toward the Persian Gulf.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick departures to the east typically climb out over the Sussex Weald before banking, giving right-side passengers a last glimpse of the London skyline and Thames estuary as the aircraft turns onto its easterly track. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland and the South Downs receding quickly.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTWith northwesterly winds favoring runway 30 at DXB, the approach comes in from the southeast over the Persian Gulf, giving right-side passengers sweeping views of the turquoise coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai skyline including the Burj Khalifa before touchdown. Left-side passengers see mostly featureless desert interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Dubai. The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the flight: a final London view on departure, a clear line over the Alps and eastern Mediterranean during cruise, and a dramatic Gulf coastline approach into Dubai. The left side spends most of the flight over flat Central European and Middle Eastern terrain with little variation.
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 departures to the east typically climb out over the Sussex Weald before banking, giving right-side passengers a last glimpse of the London skyline and Thames estuary as the aircraft turns onto its easterly track. The left side mostly shows featureless farmland and the South Downs receding quickly. Notable sights include: London skyline, Thames Estuary, South Downs, Sussex countryside.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. With northwesterly winds favoring runway 30 at DXB, the approach comes in from the southeast over the Persian Gulf, giving right-side passengers sweeping views of the turquoise coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai skyline including the Burj Khalifa before touchdown. Left-side passengers see mostly featureless desert interior. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai skyline, Burj Khalifa.
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,401 miles (5,474 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Alps near Switzerland/Austria, then continues over the Balkans and Turkey, passing near the eastern Mediterranean coastline before tracking over Iraq and Saudi Arabia toward the Persian Gulf.