While takeoff offers London views, the landing approach over the Mediterranean, Atlas Mountains, and Algiers coastline provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The left side captures the most striking geographical transition of the entire flight.
Flown LHR to ALG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Algier is 1,037 miles (1,669 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible as a narrow water body during departure), then passes over northern France with its patchwork agricultural fields and river valleys. As the aircraft continues southeast, the Pyrenees may be visible on the horizon to the left (depending on exact routing). The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Peninsula, with views of Spanish and Portuguese terrain including the Meseta plateau. The final leg crosses the western Mediterranean toward the North African coast, with the Atlas Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends toward Algiers.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the London metropolitan area during the initial climb. Heathrow's westward departure routes mean right-side passengers see the city sprawl, reservoirs, and the river's meanders as the aircraft gains altitude.
Landing at ALG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Mediterranean coast, the Atlas Mountains, and the approach into Algiers. The standard descent path brings aircraft over the Algerian coastline, and left-side passengers see the dramatic meeting of sea and mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Houari Boumediene (ALG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Algier. While takeoff offers London views, the landing approach over the Mediterranean, Atlas Mountains, and Algiers coastline provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery. The left side captures the most striking geographical transition of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the London metropolitan area during the initial climb. Heathrow's westward departure routes mean right-side passengers see the city sprawl, reservoirs, and the river's meanders as the aircraft gains altitude. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends, London urban sprawl extending east, Colne Valley reservoirs (visible as bright water features southwest of the city), Windsor and the surrounding Thames valley.
What can I see when landing at Houari Boumediene in Algier?
When landing at Houari Boumediene (ALG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Mediterranean coast, the Atlas Mountains, and the approach into Algiers. The standard descent path brings aircraft over the Algerian coastline, and left-side passengers see the dramatic meeting of sea and mountains. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea with its deep blue color, Tell Atlas Mountains (snow-capped peaks visible in winter/spring), Algiers city sprawl along the coast, Bay of Algiers with its distinctive curved shoreline.
How long is the flight from London to Algier?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Houari Boumediene (ALG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,037 miles (1,669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Algier flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the English Channel (visible as a narrow water body during departure), then passes over northern France with its patchwork agricultural fields and river valleys. As the aircraft continues southeast, the Pyrenees may be visible on the horizon to the left (depending on exact routing). The flight then crosses the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Peninsula, with views of Spanish and Portuguese terrain including the Meseta plateau. The final leg crosses the western Mediterranean toward the North African coast, with the Atlas Mountains becoming increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends toward Algiers.