While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach over the Thames estuary and London provides more varied and recognizable landmarks. Left-side seats capture both the approach corridor and the city itself, making the descent more visually rewarding than the desert departure.
Flown MED to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madinah to London is 2,813 miles (4,526 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Mediterranean coastline (southern Turkey and Cyprus region), Taurus Mountains, Nile Delta, Sinai Peninsula, Dead Sea, Jordan Rift Valley, and the transition from Middle Eastern desert to European temperate landscape over the Alps and central Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MED
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Red Sea coastline and the Hijaz Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Madinah. The terrain transitions from desert plateau to dramatic escarpment, providing clear visual contrast.
Landing at LHR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Thames estuary, Greater London's urban sprawl, and the approach corridor over southern England. The descent path over the Home Counties offers clear sightlines to the city and surrounding green belt.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madinah to London. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach over the Thames estuary and London provides more varied and recognizable landmarks. Left-side seats capture both the approach corridor and the city itself, making the descent more visually rewarding than the desert departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
During takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Red Sea coastline and the Hijaz Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Madinah. The terrain transitions from desert plateau to dramatic escarpment, providing clear visual contrast. Notable sights include: Red Sea (eastern horizon), Hijaz Mountains (western edge of Madinah plateau), Madinah city grid (directly below during initial climb), Arabian Desert plateau.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Thames estuary, Greater London's urban sprawl, and the approach corridor over southern England. The descent path over the Home Counties offers clear sightlines to the city and surrounding green belt. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and river bends, Greater London urban area, North Downs and South Downs (chalk ridges), Windsor Castle area and Thames valley.
How long is the flight from Madinah to London?
The flight from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,813 miles (4,526 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madinah to London flight path pass over?
Mediterranean coastline (southern Turkey and Cyprus region), Taurus Mountains, Nile Delta, Sinai Peninsula, Dead Sea, Jordan Rift Valley, and the transition from Middle Eastern desert to European temperate landscape over the Alps and central Europe