Right-side seats capture the dramatic Dinaric Alps during takeoff, which is the most visually striking feature of this route. While left-side landing views of the Thames are excellent, the mountain scenery during departure is more consistently impressive and geographically distinctive.
Flown TIA to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tirana to London is 1,161 miles (1,868 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans via the Dinaric Alps and Pindus Mountains, then proceeds northwest over the Apennines in Italy, the Alps (visible on clear days), and the English Channel. Notable midpoint landmarks include Lake Ohrid (Albania-North Macedonia border), the Pindus range (Greece), the Po Valley (Italy), and the Alps (France-Italy border). The English Channel crossing typically occurs in the final 30 minutes of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TIA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Dinaric Alps immediately west of Tirana as the aircraft climbs. The mountains rise steeply from the coastal plain and are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at LCY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, Greenwich, and central London landmarks during the approach to City Airport. The river's distinctive meanders and the urban fabric of East London are clearly visible during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tirana Rinas (TIA) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tirana to London. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Dinaric Alps during takeoff, which is the most visually striking feature of this route. While left-side landing views of the Thames are excellent, the mountain scenery during departure is more consistently impressive and geographically distinctive.
What can I see during takeoff from Tirana Rinas in Tirana?
During takeoff from Tirana Rinas (TIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Dinaric Alps immediately west of Tirana as the aircraft climbs. The mountains rise steeply from the coastal plain and are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Dinaric Alps (western skyline), Adriatic Sea (northwestern horizon), Lake Ohrid region (distant southwest), Tirana city grid (directly below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Thames estuary, Greenwich, and central London landmarks during the approach to City Airport. The river's distinctive meanders and the urban fabric of East London are clearly visible during descent. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and meanders (dominant feature), Greenwich Peninsula (distinctive horseshoe bend), Canary Wharf and Isle of Dogs (urban cluster), North Sea coast (distant horizon).
How long is the flight from Tirana to London?
The flight from Tirana Rinas (TIA) to City (LCY) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,161 miles (1,868 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tirana to London flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans via the Dinaric Alps and Pindus Mountains, then proceeds northwest over the Apennines in Italy, the Alps (visible on clear days), and the English Channel. Notable midpoint landmarks include Lake Ohrid (Albania-North Macedonia border), the Pindus range (Greece), the Po Valley (Italy), and the Alps (France-Italy border). The English Channel crossing typically occurs in the final 30 minutes of flight.