The right side wins overall due to the dramatic London departure views over the Thames and city. During the long cruise the flight tracks southeast over Europe, the Middle East, and Bay of Bengal — the right side also picks up views over the Indian subcontinent and Bay of Bengal coastline. The landing view on the left is good but the Strait of Malacca is often hazy at low altitude.
Flown LHR to MES? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Medan is 6,417 miles (10,327 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks southeast from London over France and the Alps (visible on clear days), then across the eastern Mediterranean near Greece, over the Middle East crossing Iraq and the Persian Gulf, across the Arabian Sea, over southern India and Sri Lanka, then across the Bay of Bengal before reaching the Malay Peninsula and descending into Sumatra. The Bay of Bengal crossing is the longest overwater segment. The Andaman Islands may be visible as small specks below during the Bay of Bengal transit.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow's dominant departure runway is 27L/27R heading west, so a right-side seat faces north and gives you views over central London as the aircraft turns southeast. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on clear days the City of London skyline to the northeast.
Landing at MES
LEFTPolonia Airport approaches from the northeast over the Strait of Malacca, and the left side faces west toward the strait and the coastal lowlands of Sumatra. As the aircraft descends, you get clear views of the Strait of Malacca's shipping lanes and the flat delta terrain around Medan before touchdown.
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 Soewondo Air Force Base (MES)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Medan. The right side wins overall due to the dramatic London departure views over the Thames and city. During the long cruise the flight tracks southeast over Europe, the Middle East, and Bay of Bengal — the right side also picks up views over the Indian subcontinent and Bay of Bengal coastline. The landing view on the left is good but the Strait of Malacca is often hazy at low altitude.
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's dominant departure runway is 27L/27R heading west, so a right-side seat faces north and gives you views over central London as the aircraft turns southeast. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on clear days the City of London skyline to the northeast. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, Wembley Stadium arch (north), Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park (southwest briefly), M25 orbital motorway ring.
What can I see when landing at Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan?
When landing at Soewondo Air Force Base (MES), sit on the Left side for the best views. Polonia Airport approaches from the northeast over the Strait of Malacca, and the left side faces west toward the strait and the coastal lowlands of Sumatra. As the aircraft descends, you get clear views of the Strait of Malacca's shipping lanes and the flat delta terrain around Medan before touchdown. Notable sights include: Strait of Malacca and its dense shipping traffic, Medan city urban grid, coastal palm oil plantation patchwork, Barisan mountain range foothills to the southeast.
How long is the flight from London to Medan?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Soewondo Air Force Base (MES) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,417 miles (10,327 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Medan flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast from London over France and the Alps (visible on clear days), then across the eastern Mediterranean near Greece, over the Middle East crossing Iraq and the Persian Gulf, across the Arabian Sea, over southern India and Sri Lanka, then across the Bay of Bengal before reaching the Malay Peninsula and descending into Sumatra. The Bay of Bengal crossing is the longest overwater segment. The Andaman Islands may be visible as small specks below during the Bay of Bengal transit.