Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Middle East and Turkey, the left side also picks up better views of the Zagros Mountain foothills on the Iraq-Iran border region and the Anatolian plateau, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flight Path
After departing Riyadh the route tracks northwest over the Nafud desert, crosses into Jordan near Wadi Rum, transits over the eastern Mediterranean or southern Turkey depending on routing, crosses the Anatolian plateau and Taurus Mountains, then passes over the Balkans (Bulgaria, Serbia, or Austria corridor), across the Alps or northern Germany, and into the English Channel before descending into London. The Bosphorus strait near Istanbul and the snow-capped Alps are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RUH
LEFTKing Khaled International typically departs on runway 33L/33R heading northwest, placing the city of Riyadh and its urban sprawl to the left (southwest). You get a clear view of the dense city grid, the Kingdom Centre Tower, and the edge of the Tuwaiq Escarpment as you climb out.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). On the common westerly approach to runway 27L/27R, aircraft track over central London from the east, giving left-side passengers a prolonged view over the Thames, the City of London, Tower Bridge, and the full sweep of the river bending through the capital 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 King Khaled International (RUH) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Riyadh to London. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Middle East and Turkey, the left side also picks up better views of the Zagros Mountain foothills on the Iraq-Iran border region and the Anatolian plateau, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from King Khaled International in Riyadh?
During takeoff from King Khaled International (RUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. King Khaled International typically departs on runway 33L/33R heading northwest, placing the city of Riyadh and its urban sprawl to the left (southwest). You get a clear view of the dense city grid, the Kingdom Centre Tower, and the edge of the Tuwaiq Escarpment as you climb out. Notable sights include: Riyadh city center and Kingdom Centre Tower, Tuwaiq Escarpment (dramatic limestone cliff line southwest of city), Al Kharj agricultural circles visible to the southeast on left turn-out, edge of the Rub al Khali sand sea to the south.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant runway orientation is 09/27 (east-west). On the common westerly approach to runway 27L/27R, aircraft track over central London from the east, giving left-side passengers a prolonged view over the Thames, the City of London, Tower Bridge, and the full sweep of the river bending through the capital before touchdown. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Tower Bridge and Tower of London, City of London financial district (Gherkin, Shard visible), Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park on final approach.
How long is the flight from Riyadh to London?
The flight from King Khaled International (RUH) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the Riyadh to London flight path pass over?
After departing Riyadh the route tracks northwest over the Nafud desert, crosses into Jordan near Wadi Rum, transits over the eastern Mediterranean or southern Turkey depending on routing, crosses the Anatolian plateau and Taurus Mountains, then passes over the Balkans (Bulgaria, Serbia, or Austria corridor), across the Alps or northern Germany, and into the English Channel before descending into London. The Bosphorus strait near Istanbul and the snow-capped Alps are the most visually dramatic midpoint features.