The left side offers a more varied and scenic experience overall — a glimpse of southern England's coastline at takeoff and, more significantly, a dramatic view of Madeira's volcanic cliffs and Funchal's cityscape during the final approach, while the right side is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight.
Flown LGW to FNC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Funchal is 1,526 miles (2,456 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
Bay of Biscay, northern Spanish coastline, open Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTDeparting Gatwick on runway 26 heading west, the aircraft typically banks south over the Sussex countryside toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers glimpses of the South Downs and the English coastline before heading out over France. The right side mostly shows featureless Home Counties terrain briefly before turning away.
Landing at FNC
LEFTOn the approach into Funchal (runway 05), aircraft typically curve in from the southwest along Madeira's dramatic southern coastline, putting the steep volcanic cliffs, terraced hillsides, and Funchal's harbor city on the left side of the plane. The right side faces mostly open Atlantic Ocean during this turn.
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 Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Funchal. The left side offers a more varied and scenic experience overall — a glimpse of southern England's coastline at takeoff and, more significantly, a dramatic view of Madeira's volcanic cliffs and Funchal's cityscape during the final approach, while the right side is dominated by open ocean for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Gatwick on runway 26 heading west, the aircraft typically banks south over the Sussex countryside toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers glimpses of the South Downs and the English coastline before heading out over France. The right side mostly shows featureless Home Counties terrain briefly before turning away. Notable sights include: South Downs, Sussex coastline, English Channel.
What can I see when landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal?
When landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into Funchal (runway 05), aircraft typically curve in from the southwest along Madeira's dramatic southern coastline, putting the steep volcanic cliffs, terraced hillsides, and Funchal's harbor city on the left side of the plane. The right side faces mostly open Atlantic Ocean during this turn. Notable sights include: Cabo Girão cliffs, Funchal harbor and city, Pico Ruivo mountain peaks, Madeira's volcanic coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Funchal?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,526 miles (2,456 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Funchal flight path pass over?
Bay of Biscay, northern Spanish coastline, open Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal