The left side wins overall thanks to the London departure views and, more importantly, the cruise phase, which crosses the Alps near Switzerland/northern Italy, the Mediterranean coastline, and the vast Sahara and Nile valley — a much longer and more varied scenic segment than the right side offers.
Flight Path
Swiss/Italian Alps, Mediterranean coastline near Sicily, the Sahara Desert across Libya and Chad, the Nile River valley through Sudan, and the southern Sudan/Uganda savanna approaching Lake Victoria
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow's westerly departures typically bank south toward France shortly after takeoff, putting London's skyline, the Thames loops, and Windsor on the left side as the aircraft turns. The right side mostly shows featureless suburban sprawl during the turn.
Landing at KGL
RIGHTApproaching Kigali from the east with runway 28 in use, the final descent reveals Rwanda's volcanic highlands and the Virunga range to the north on the right side, along with glimpses of Lake Kivu's basin. The left side mostly shows the repetitive green hill terrain south of the approach path.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali International (KGL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Kigali. The left side wins overall thanks to the London departure views and, more importantly, the cruise phase, which crosses the Alps near Switzerland/northern Italy, the Mediterranean coastline, and the vast Sahara and Nile valley — a much longer and more varied scenic segment than the right side offers.
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 bank south toward France shortly after takeoff, putting London's skyline, the Thames loops, and Windsor on the left side as the aircraft turns. The right side mostly shows featureless suburban sprawl during the turn. Notable sights include: River Thames bends, Windsor Castle area, London skyline (Canary Wharf/The Shard in the distance), Heathrow's parallel runways receding below.
What can I see when landing at Kigali International in Kigali?
When landing at Kigali International (KGL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Kigali from the east with runway 28 in use, the final descent reveals Rwanda's volcanic highlands and the Virunga range to the north on the right side, along with glimpses of Lake Kivu's basin. The left side mostly shows the repetitive green hill terrain south of the approach path. Notable sights include: Virunga volcanic peaks (Karisimbi, Bisoke), Lake Kivu basin edge, Kigali's terraced hillside neighborhoods, Rwanda's 'thousand hills' terrain.
How long is the flight from London to Kigali?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Kigali International (KGL) takes 8h 45m.
What does the London to Kigali flight path pass over?
Swiss/Italian Alps, Mediterranean coastline near Sicily, the Sahara Desert across Libya and Chad, the Nile River valley through Sudan, and the southern Sudan/Uganda savanna approaching Lake Victoria