The right side captures the flight's most dramatic scenery — the snow-capped Alps and Italian coastline during cruise, glimpses of the Mediterranean and possibly the Red Sea's edge, and the Riyadh skyline on approach — while the left side offers only the takeoff bonus before miles of Alps' northern foothills, cloud, and desert with little variation.
Flight Path
The route crosses the French Alps or Italian Apennines, the Mediterranean Sea near Greece or Egypt, the Nile Delta or Sinai Peninsula, and finally the vast sand seas of the northern Arabian Peninsula before reaching Riyadh.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTHeathrow departures to the southeast typically climb west then bank left (south) to join the route toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of central London — the Thames, Westminster, and the London Eye — before the city falls away behind.
Landing at RUH
RIGHTArrivals into Riyadh from the north typically descend southward toward runway 15, putting the city's skyline and grid of highways on the right side of the aircraft as the desert gives way to King Khalid's urban sprawl.
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 King Khaled International (RUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Riyadh. The right side captures the flight's most dramatic scenery — the snow-capped Alps and Italian coastline during cruise, glimpses of the Mediterranean and possibly the Red Sea's edge, and the Riyadh skyline on approach — while the left side offers only the takeoff bonus before miles of Alps' northern foothills, cloud, and desert with little variation.
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 departures to the southeast typically climb west then bank left (south) to join the route toward the Channel, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of central London — the Thames, Westminster, and the London Eye — before the city falls away behind. Notable sights include: River Thames, Westminster/London Eye area, Heathrow's parallel runways, outer London suburbs.
What can I see when landing at King Khaled International in Riyadh?
When landing at King Khaled International (RUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Riyadh from the north typically descend southward toward runway 15, putting the city's skyline and grid of highways on the right side of the aircraft as the desert gives way to King Khalid's urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Riyadh skyline (Kingdom Centre Tower), An Nafud desert edges, King Fahd Road corridor, scattered green irrigated farmland patches.
How long is the flight from London to Riyadh?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to King Khaled International (RUH) takes 6h 35m.
What does the London to Riyadh flight path pass over?
The route crosses the French Alps or Italian Apennines, the Mediterranean Sea near Greece or Egypt, the Nile Delta or Sinai Peninsula, and finally the vast sand seas of the northern Arabian Peninsula before reaching Riyadh.