London to Gibraltar flight pathLGWGIB

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time2h 40m
Distance1,067
Heading196° → 192°
Best side
LeftMostly left

The left side wins overall because it delivers the Bay of Biscay coastline and Iberian Peninsula views during the cruise, and the spectacular Gibraltar approach with the Rock's west face and Bay of Algeciras framed together on landing. The right side is better at takeoff but the landing view on the left is the highlight of the whole route.

Takeoff · LGWRIGHTSurrey Hills AONB, South Downs ridge, English Channel coastline near Brighton/Worthing
Landing · GIBLEFTRock of Gibraltar west face, Bay of Algeciras, Algeciras city across the bay

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The flight tracks south over the English Channel, then across the Bay of Biscay or the French Atlantic coast depending on routing. Over Spain, the Meseta Central plateau is visible as a vast flat tableland. The Sierra Morena hills mark the transition to Andalusia, followed by the Guadalquivir river valley and eventually the Sierra Nevada range to the east before descending toward the Strait of Gibraltar.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — Surrey Hills AONB, South Downs ridge, English Channel coastline near Brighton/Worthing, Chichester Harbour

Takeoff from LGW

RIGHT

Gatwick's main runway 08R/26L means southbound departures typically head west then south. A right-side seat gives views over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as the aircraft turns south, with the English Channel coming into view ahead. Left side faces north toward Greater London suburbia.

Surrey Hills AONBSouth Downs ridgeEnglish Channel coastline near Brighton/WorthingChichester Harbour

Landing at GIB

LEFT

Gibraltar's runway 09/27 runs east-west along the narrow isthmus. Aircraft approaching from the north typically land on runway 09 heading east, or 27 heading west. On the standard approach from the north, the left side gives a direct view of the Rock of Gibraltar's dramatic west face and the Bay of Algeciras, while the right side looks toward the Spanish coast and Algeciras town. Either way the Rock is unmissable, but the left seat frames the Rock and the bay together most dramatically.

Rock of Gibraltar west faceBay of AlgecirasAlgeciras city across the bayStrait of Gibraltar opening to the Mediterranean

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Gibraltar (GIB)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Gibraltar. The left side wins overall because it delivers the Bay of Biscay coastline and Iberian Peninsula views during the cruise, and the spectacular Gibraltar approach with the Rock's west face and Bay of Algeciras framed together on landing. The right side is better at takeoff but the landing view on the left is the highlight of the whole route.

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 main runway 08R/26L means southbound departures typically head west then south. A right-side seat gives views over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as the aircraft turns south, with the English Channel coming into view ahead. Left side faces north toward Greater London suburbia. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, South Downs ridge, English Channel coastline near Brighton/Worthing, Chichester Harbour.

What can I see when landing at Gibraltar in Gibraltar?

When landing at Gibraltar (GIB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gibraltar's runway 09/27 runs east-west along the narrow isthmus. Aircraft approaching from the north typically land on runway 09 heading east, or 27 heading west. On the standard approach from the north, the left side gives a direct view of the Rock of Gibraltar's dramatic west face and the Bay of Algeciras, while the right side looks toward the Spanish coast and Algeciras town. Either way the Rock is unmissable, but the left seat frames the Rock and the bay together most dramatically. Notable sights include: Rock of Gibraltar west face, Bay of Algeciras, Algeciras city across the bay, Strait of Gibraltar opening to the Mediterranean.

How long is the flight from London to Gibraltar?

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Gibraltar (GIB) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.

What does the London to Gibraltar flight path pass over?

The flight tracks south over the English Channel, then across the Bay of Biscay or the French Atlantic coast depending on routing. Over Spain, the Meseta Central plateau is visible as a vast flat tableland. The Sierra Morena hills mark the transition to Andalusia, followed by the Guadalquivir river valley and eventually the Sierra Nevada range to the east before descending toward the Strait of Gibraltar.