About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Plaisance. The left side wins overall because the Mauritius arrival view is the highlight of the flight — a rare chance to see an entire volcanic island with its reef system laid out below you. The takeoff views from either side over Surrey are pleasant but relatively routine compared to a full island approach over the Indian Ocean.
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 runway 26L/08R means departures heading roughly east or west. Southbound departures toward Mauritius typically use a southeasterly track, and right-side seats get views over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs before the aircraft turns south. You'll also catch the urban sprawl of Crawley and the M23 corridor clearly below. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, North Downs ridge, Crawley town grid, M23/M25 motorway interchange.
What can I see when landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International in Plaisance?
When landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport sits on the southeastern coast of Mauritius, and aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 14. Left-side seats get a sweeping view of the island's volcanic interior, including the Black River Gorges highlands and the central plateau, before the aircraft descends over the lagoon and reef system on the southwest coast. Notable sights include: Black River Gorges highlands, central plateau of Mauritius, coral reef lagoon on southwest coast, Port Louis harbour in the far northwest.
How long is the flight from London to Plaisance?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the London to Plaisance flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over France and the Alps, then across the Mediterranean near Sicily, over Egypt and the Nile Delta, down the length of the Red Sea, across the Horn of Africa near Djibouti and Somalia, then a long overwater leg across the Indian Ocean passing east of Madagascar before reaching Mauritius. The Nile Delta and Red Sea coastlines are the most visually striking features at cruising altitude during daylight portions of the route.