About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Kotoka International (ACC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Accra. The right side wins overall. The Thames and London skyline on departure are the flight's most dramatic urban views, and during the cruise the right side faces west toward the Atlantic — less interesting over the Sahara, but on descent into Accra the difference between sides is modest. The London departure spectacle on the right is the highlight of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow typically departs eastward on runways 27L/27R (westerly wind operations) or westward on 09L/09R. On the dominant westerly departure heading, the right side gives you the Thames snaking through central London, with the City skyline and Canary Wharf visible as you climb out over the capital. On easterly departures, the right side still captures Windsor Castle and the Thames Valley. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Canary Wharf cluster, Windsor Castle and Great Park, M25 motorway ring.
What can I see when landing at Kotoka International in Accra?
When landing at Kotoka International (ACC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kotoka International typically uses runway 21 (southwesterly landing heading) or runway 03 (northeasterly). On the common runway 21 approach, the left side looks east over the Gulf of Guinea coastline and Accra's urban sprawl meeting the ocean, giving a clear view of the city grid and the distinctive coastal lagoons. On runway 03, the left side captures the approach over the Atlantic with the coast ahead. Notable sights include: Gulf of Guinea coastline, Accra urban grid meeting the ocean, Korle Lagoon, Tema industrial port to the east.
How long is the flight from London to Accra?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Kotoka International (ACC) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the London to Accra flight path pass over?
The route tracks south over France and the Iberian Peninsula, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, then over the western Sahara Desert — vast sand seas and ergs of Algeria and Mali are visible on clear days as abstract orange-tan textures. The flight crosses the Sahel transition zone where the desert gives way to scrubby savanna, then enters the Gulf of Guinea coastal zone over Ghana.