London to Thessaloniki flight pathLGWSKG

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 20m
Distance1,326
Heading115° → 131°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 3.5 left·★ 3.0 right

The left side combines a scenic London departure with a cruise-phase view of the Alps and northern Italian terrain as the flight path skirts south of the range, giving it more sustained visual variety than the right side, which is strong only during the Olympus approach.

Flown LGW to SKG? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Thessaloniki is 1,326 miles (2,134 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.

Route crosses eastern France, the western Alps near Switzerland, northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, and Albania before descending into northern Greece.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (left side) — London skyline (distant), South Downs, Sussex countryside, English Channel coastline

Takeoff from LGW

LEFT

Departing Gatwick to the west then curving southeast, the left side offers a receding view back over the London skyline and the Sussex Weald before the coast, while the right side mostly shows featureless Surrey and Kent countryside.

London skylineSouth DownsSussex countrysideEnglish Channel coastline
LGW GatwickHub for easyJet, British Airways, Norwegian Air Shuttle

Landing at SKG

RIGHT

On approach into Thessaloniki over the Thermaikos Gulf, the right side reveals the dramatic snow-capped massif of Mount Olympus and the Pieria mountains rising from the coastal plain, a striking natural landmark rarely visible so close to a runway.

Mount OlympusPieria mountain rangeThermaikos Gulf coastlinePindus foothills
SKG MakedoniaHub for Aegean Airlines

Will your flight be in sunlight?

Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.

About This Route

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

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Thessaloniki. The left side combines a scenic London departure with a cruise-phase view of the Alps and northern Italian terrain as the flight path skirts south of the range, giving it more sustained visual variety than the right side, which is strong only during the Olympus approach.

What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?

During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Gatwick to the west then curving southeast, the left side offers a receding view back over the London skyline and the Sussex Weald before the coast, while the right side mostly shows featureless Surrey and Kent countryside. Notable sights include: London skyline (distant), South Downs, Sussex countryside, English Channel coastline.

What can I see when landing at Makedonia in Thessaloniki?

When landing at Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Thessaloniki over the Thermaikos Gulf, the right side reveals the dramatic snow-capped massif of Mount Olympus and the Pieria mountains rising from the coastal plain, a striking natural landmark rarely visible so close to a runway. Notable sights include: Mount Olympus, Pieria mountain range, Thermaikos Gulf coastline, Pindus foothills.

How long is the flight from London to Thessaloniki?

The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Makedonia (SKG) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,134 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Thessaloniki flight path pass over?

Route crosses eastern France, the western Alps near Switzerland, northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, and Albania before descending into northern Greece.