London to Granada is 980 miles (1,578 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
While the right side wins at Gatwick departure, the left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the Sierra Nevada and Alhambra on approach into Granada. Over the Bay of Biscay and central Spain the left side also tracks the Iberian coastline and the Meseta plateau. The Granada approach view is the highlight of the route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the English Channel near Brighton, then tracks over the Bay of Biscay or the northern Spanish coast near Bilbao depending on routing. Over Spain it crosses the Meseta Central, the high semi-arid plateau of Castile, before descending over the Guadalquivir basin and the Subbetic ranges into Granada. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible well before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's main runway 08L/26R means westbound departures head roughly west then southwest. A right-side seat gives views south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the English Channel. You'll see the patchwork of the Weald below before the coast appears.
Landing at GRX
LEFTGranada Airport sits north of the city with the Sierra Nevada directly to the south. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast on runway 09/27. A left-side seat on approach gives a direct view of the Sierra Nevada massif including Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain, rising dramatically above the plateau. The Alhambra on its forested hill is also visible on the left as you descend toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Granada (GRX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Granada. While the right side wins at Gatwick departure, the left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the Sierra Nevada and Alhambra on approach into Granada. Over the Bay of Biscay and central Spain the left side also tracks the Iberian coastline and the Meseta plateau. The Granada approach view is the highlight of the 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 08L/26R means westbound departures head roughly west then southwest. A right-side seat gives views south over the Surrey Hills and the South Downs as the aircraft climbs and turns toward the English Channel. You'll see the patchwork of the Weald below before the coast appears. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, South Downs ridge, Crawley town grid, English Channel coastline near Worthing/Brighton.
What can I see when landing at Granada in Granada?
When landing at Granada (GRX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Granada Airport sits north of the city with the Sierra Nevada directly to the south. Aircraft typically approach from the north or northeast on runway 09/27. A left-side seat on approach gives a direct view of the Sierra Nevada massif including Mulhacén, the highest peak in mainland Spain, rising dramatically above the plateau. The Alhambra on its forested hill is also visible on the left as you descend toward the runway. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada massif with Mulhacén (3,479m), the Alhambra palace complex on its hill, the Vega de Granada agricultural plain, city of Granada itself.
How long is the flight from London to Granada?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Granada (GRX) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 980 miles (1,578 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Granada flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel near Brighton, then tracks over the Bay of Biscay or the northern Spanish coast near Bilbao depending on routing. Over Spain it crosses the Meseta Central, the high semi-arid plateau of Castile, before descending over the Guadalquivir basin and the Subbetic ranges into Granada. The Sierra Nevada becomes visible well before landing.