The right side captures the flight's most dramatic cruise scenery — the Nile corridor, Red Sea coastline, and East African highlands — plus the scenic Mahe approach, while the left side spends most of the flight over open water with little variation.
Flown LHR to SEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Mahe is 5,080 miles (8,176 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Sahara Desert margins, the Nile River near Sudan, the Red Sea coastline, Ethiopian Highlands, and the Great Rift Valley of Kenya before the long Indian Ocean crossing to Seychelles
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow departures to the southeast typically climb out westbound before banking left over the Thames Valley, putting London's skyline, the Thames loops, and Windsor Castle on the right side as the aircraft turns south. The left side mostly shows suburban Surrey with little distinction.
Landing at SEZ
RIGHTSeychelles International's single runway sees arrivals approach from the northwest over open sea before turning onto final for runway 13, and this turn typically banks toward the granite peaks of Mahe, giving the right side a dramatic view of the island's jungle-clad mountains and turquoise reefs. The left side stays over featureless ocean until very late in the approach.
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 Seychelles International (SEZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Mahe. The right side captures the flight's most dramatic cruise scenery — the Nile corridor, Red Sea coastline, and East African highlands — plus the scenic Mahe approach, while the left side spends most of the flight over open water with little variation.
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 departures to the southeast typically climb out westbound before banking left over the Thames Valley, putting London's skyline, the Thames loops, and Windsor Castle on the right side as the aircraft turns south. The left side mostly shows suburban Surrey with little distinction. Notable sights include: River Thames, Windsor Castle, London skyline (The Shard, City towers), Heathrow's parallel runways receding below.
What can I see when landing at Seychelles International in Mahe?
When landing at Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Seychelles International's single runway sees arrivals approach from the northwest over open sea before turning onto final for runway 13, and this turn typically banks toward the granite peaks of Mahe, giving the right side a dramatic view of the island's jungle-clad mountains and turquoise reefs. The left side stays over featureless ocean until very late in the approach. Notable sights include: Morne Seychellois granite peaks, turquoise lagoon and coral reefs, Victoria harbor, forested mountain ridges of Mahe.
How long is the flight from London to Mahe?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Seychelles International (SEZ) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,080 miles (8,176 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Mahe flight path pass over?
Sahara Desert margins, the Nile River near Sudan, the Red Sea coastline, Ethiopian Highlands, and the Great Rift Valley of Kenya before the long Indian Ocean crossing to Seychelles