The left seat wins overall because the Atlas Mountains on approach to Marrakech are one of the most dramatic aerial views in the region — a 200km wall of peaks rising abruptly from the flat plain. The takeoff views from either side at Gatwick are pleasant but relatively ordinary English countryside. The left seat also catches the Bay of Biscay coastline and the Iberian Peninsula during the cruise.
Flight Path
The flight tracks south over the English Channel, then across the Brittany coast of France, over the Bay of Biscay, crossing the Iberian Peninsula over central Spain and Portugal — the Meseta plateau and Sierra Nevada are visible on clear days — before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, then descending over the flat semi-arid Haouz Plain toward Marrakech
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick's main runway 08R/26L runs roughly east-west. Departing southbound toward Marrakech, aircraft typically use runway 26L heading west then turn south, putting the North Downs and the Sussex countryside on the right side. The right seat also gives views over Crawley and the Weald as the aircraft banks south.
Landing at RAK
LEFTMarrakech Menara airport runway 10/28 runs roughly east-west. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 10, meaning the final approach track is heading roughly east. On the left side you get the Atlas Mountains — the High Atlas range including Jebel Toubkal — which rise dramatically to the south of the city and are unmissable on descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Menara (RAK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Marrakech. The left seat wins overall because the Atlas Mountains on approach to Marrakech are one of the most dramatic aerial views in the region — a 200km wall of peaks rising abruptly from the flat plain. The takeoff views from either side at Gatwick are pleasant but relatively ordinary English countryside. The left seat also catches the Bay of Biscay coastline and the Iberian Peninsula during the cruise.
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 runs roughly east-west. Departing southbound toward Marrakech, aircraft typically use runway 26L heading west then turn south, putting the North Downs and the Sussex countryside on the right side. The right seat also gives views over Crawley and the Weald as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: The North Downs ridge, Crawley town below, the Weald of Sussex patchwork farmland, and the English Channel coastline near Worthing or Brighton as the aircraft heads south.
What can I see when landing at Menara in Marrakech?
When landing at Menara (RAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Marrakech Menara airport runway 10/28 runs roughly east-west. Aircraft typically approach from the northeast on runway 10, meaning the final approach track is heading roughly east. On the left side you get the Atlas Mountains — the High Atlas range including Jebel Toubkal — which rise dramatically to the south of the city and are unmissable on descent. Notable sights include: The High Atlas Mountains including Jebel Toubkal (4,167m), the red-ochre sprawl of Marrakech medina, the Menara Gardens and reservoir, and the flat Haouz Plain stretching north.
How long is the flight from London to Marrakech?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Menara (RAK) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the London to Marrakech flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south over the English Channel, then across the Brittany coast of France, over the Bay of Biscay, crossing the Iberian Peninsula over central Spain and Portugal — the Meseta plateau and Sierra Nevada are visible on clear days — before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, then descending over the flat semi-arid Haouz Plain toward Marrakech