The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the whole flight: the English south coast at departure, then long stretches of the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Portuguese coastline during cruise, giving repeated coastal interest even though the left side wins the dramatic final descent over the Algarve lagoon.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay near the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain, with the Picos de Europa mountains sometimes visible inland before the route continues south over the Spanish plateau toward Extremadura and into Portugal.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTDeparting Gatwick on runway 26 and turning south, the right side faces the Hampshire coast, giving a brief but clear view of the Solent and Isle of Wight before the climb continues out over the Channel. The left side mostly shows the unremarkable Weald countryside of Kent and Sussex.
Landing at FAO
LEFTOn the typical westward approach into runway 28, the aircraft flies in from the east with the coast on the left, revealing the Ria Formosa lagoon, sandbars, and Atlantic shoreline just before touchdown. The right side instead shows the drier, hillier Algarve interior with fewer standout features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Faro (FAO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Faro. The right side offers the most consistent scenic value across the whole flight: the English south coast at departure, then long stretches of the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Portuguese coastline during cruise, giving repeated coastal interest even though the left side wins the dramatic final descent over the Algarve lagoon.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Gatwick on runway 26 and turning south, the right side faces the Hampshire coast, giving a brief but clear view of the Solent and Isle of Wight before the climb continues out over the Channel. The left side mostly shows the unremarkable Weald countryside of Kent and Sussex. Notable sights include: South Downs, the Solent, Isle of Wight, English Channel coastline.
What can I see when landing at Faro in Faro?
When landing at Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical westward approach into runway 28, the aircraft flies in from the east with the coast on the left, revealing the Ria Formosa lagoon, sandbars, and Atlantic shoreline just before touchdown. The right side instead shows the drier, hillier Algarve interior with fewer standout features. Notable sights include: Ria Formosa lagoon, barrier islands (Ilha de Faro), Atlantic coastline, Faro city rooftops.
How long is the flight from London to Faro?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Faro (FAO) takes 2h 40m.
What does the London to Faro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay near the Cantabrian coast of northern Spain, with the Picos de Europa mountains sometimes visible inland before the route continues south over the Spanish plateau toward Extremadura and into Portugal.