The right side captures the Alps and Zagros Mountains during the cruise phase over Europe and the Middle East, plus the scenic coastal and highland approach into Colombo, giving it more consistent terrain variety than the left, which is dominated by flat European plains and open Arabian Sea.
Flown LHR to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Colombo is 5,415 miles (8,715 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Alps near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, continues over the Aegean and Anatolian plateau, passes near the Zagros Mountains of Iran, then heads over the Arabian Sea before making landfall near Sri Lanka's coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departures typically involve a turn south and then east, giving left-side passengers a view back over the Thames, Windsor Castle, and the London skyline before the aircraft settles onto its southeast heading.
Landing at CMB
RIGHTOn approach into Colombo the aircraft tracks down Sri Lanka's west coast, and the right side offers views of the Indian Ocean coastline and the green interior hills rising toward the central highlands before the final turn onto the runway.
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 Heathrow (LHR) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Colombo. The right side captures the Alps and Zagros Mountains during the cruise phase over Europe and the Middle East, plus the scenic coastal and highland approach into Colombo, giving it more consistent terrain variety than the left, which is dominated by flat European plains and open Arabian Sea.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's westerly departures typically involve a turn south and then east, giving left-side passengers a view back over the Thames, Windsor Castle, and the London skyline before the aircraft settles onto its southeast heading. Notable sights include: Thames River, Windsor Castle, London skyline, M25 orbital motorway.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Colombo the aircraft tracks down Sri Lanka's west coast, and the right side offers views of the Indian Ocean coastline and the green interior hills rising toward the central highlands before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Sri Lankan west coast beaches, Negombo lagoon, central highlands foothills, Colombo cityscape.
How long is the flight from London to Colombo?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,415 miles (8,715 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Colombo flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Alps near the France-Switzerland-Italy border, continues over the Aegean and Anatolian plateau, passes near the Zagros Mountains of Iran, then heads over the Arabian Sea before making landfall near Sri Lanka's coast.