London to Olbia is 846 miles (1,361 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
While the right side wins at Gatwick departure, the left side dominates the most spectacular portion of the flight — the Sardinian coastal approach with the Costa Smeralda and Maddalena Archipelago. Over the Alps crossing, the left side also tends to offer better views of the western Alpine chain including Mont Blanc area depending on routing. The left seat delivers the more memorable scenery overall.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southeast across France, typically crossing the French Alps near the Mont Blanc massif or the Gran Paradiso area, then descending over the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea. The Côte d'Azur coastline around Nice is often visible, followed by the open Mediterranean before the distinctive granite coastline of northern Sardinia comes into view on descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's runway 26L departure heads west before turning south, and the right side gives you a clear view over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs as you climb out. You'll also catch the sprawl of Crawley below and, on a clear day, the South Downs ridge to the south.
Landing at OLB
LEFTOLB typically uses runway 05 for arrivals from the northwest, meaning the approach comes in from the sea over the Tyrrhenian coast. The left side gives you the best view of the Costa Smeralda coastline, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the rugged granite interior of northern Sardinia as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Olbia. While the right side wins at Gatwick departure, the left side dominates the most spectacular portion of the flight — the Sardinian coastal approach with the Costa Smeralda and Maddalena Archipelago. Over the Alps crossing, the left side also tends to offer better views of the western Alpine chain including Mont Blanc area depending on routing. The left seat delivers the more memorable scenery overall.
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 departure heads west before turning south, and the right side gives you a clear view over the Surrey Hills and the North Downs as you climb out. You'll also catch the sprawl of Crawley below and, on a clear day, the South Downs ridge to the south. Notable sights include: Surrey Hills AONB, North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, South Downs escarpment.
What can I see when landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda in Olbia?
When landing at Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB), sit on the Left side for the best views. OLB typically uses runway 05 for arrivals from the northwest, meaning the approach comes in from the sea over the Tyrrhenian coast. The left side gives you the best view of the Costa Smeralda coastline, the Maddalena Archipelago, and the rugged granite interior of northern Sardinia as you descend. Notable sights include: Costa Smeralda coastline, Maddalena Archipelago, Gulf of Olbia, granite hills of Gallura.
How long is the flight from London to Olbia?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Olbia Costa Smeralda (OLB) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 846 miles (1,361 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Olbia flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across France, typically crossing the French Alps near the Mont Blanc massif or the Gran Paradiso area, then descending over the Ligurian Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea. The Côte d'Azur coastline around Nice is often visible, followed by the open Mediterranean before the distinctive granite coastline of northern Sardinia comes into view on descent.