While the right side wins at Heathrow departure, the left side delivers more consistently across the full flight: the Alps are visible to the left as you cross France and Switzerland, the Adriatic Sea appears to the left over Italy, and the Greek islands and Aegean are on the left side tracking southeast. The left side also wins at Tel Aviv arrival. Right side has the London departure advantage but misses most of the scenic mid-flight geography.
Flight Path
The flight tracks southeast over France, crossing the Alps near the Mont Blanc massif visible as a high snow-covered ridge. Over northern Italy the Po Valley is a flat agricultural plain. The route crosses the Adriatic Sea, then Greece with the Aegean islands visible as scattered brown landmasses in blue water. The eastern Mediterranean is crossed before descending over the Israeli coastal plain. The Judean Hills are visible on approach from the east.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTHeathrow typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, so a right-side seat faces south over central London during the climbing turn. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, with recognizable bridges and the dense urban grid of south London below.
Landing at TLV
LEFTBen Gurion typically lands on runway 26 (westbound approach from the east) or runway 08 (eastbound). On the common westbound approach over the coastal plain, left-side seats face south toward Tel Aviv's seafront and the Mediterranean coastline. You see the city's beachfront strip and the urban density of greater Tel Aviv laid out clearly before touchdown.
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 Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Tel Aviv. While the right side wins at Heathrow departure, the left side delivers more consistently across the full flight: the Alps are visible to the left as you cross France and Switzerland, the Adriatic Sea appears to the left over Italy, and the Greek islands and Aegean are on the left side tracking southeast. The left side also wins at Tel Aviv arrival. Right side has the London departure advantage but misses most of the scenic mid-flight geography.
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 typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R, so a right-side seat faces south over central London during the climbing turn. You get a clear view of the Thames snaking through the city, with recognizable bridges and the dense urban grid of south London below. Notable sights include: River Thames and its bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster to the east, Windsor Castle and Great Park to the west if departing westbound, the M25 orbital motorway ring.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ben Gurion typically lands on runway 26 (westbound approach from the east) or runway 08 (eastbound). On the common westbound approach over the coastal plain, left-side seats face south toward Tel Aviv's seafront and the Mediterranean coastline. You see the city's beachfront strip and the urban density of greater Tel Aviv laid out clearly before touchdown. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv seafront and Mediterranean coastline, the urban sprawl of the Gush Dan metropolitan area, the Judean Hills rising to the east, the Yarkon River mouth near Tel Aviv port.
How long is the flight from London to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the London to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over France, crossing the Alps near the Mont Blanc massif visible as a high snow-covered ridge. Over northern Italy the Po Valley is a flat agricultural plain. The route crosses the Adriatic Sea, then Greece with the Aegean islands visible as scattered brown landmasses in blue water. The eastern Mediterranean is crossed before descending over the Israeli coastal plain. The Judean Hills are visible on approach from the east.