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GIB destination photo
LHR destination photo

GIBLHR

Which side of the plane to sit from Gibraltar Airport (Gibraltar) to London Heathrow Airport (London)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more iconic departure view of the Rock of Gibraltar and the African coast, followed by the best probability of seeing Central London landmarks during the LHR approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

The Rock of Gibraltar

Immediate views of the famous monolith and the narrow runway spanning the isthmus upon takeoff.

🌍

African Horizon

Visibility of the Moroccan coastline and the Rif Mountains across the Strait of Gibraltar.

🌾

Spanish Meseta

The high plateau of central Spain featuring golden fields and traditional agricultural patterns.

🌊

Bay of Biscay

Crossing the deep blue waters between the northern Spanish coast and western France.

🎡

London Landmarks

If the flight enters the 'Ockham' or 'Biggin' stacks, you get a prime view of the London Eye and The Shard.

Sit on the left for the best chance of a panoramic London tour. LHR mostly operates in a westerly flow, meaning planes fly over the city from east to west; the left side faces south, capturing the Thames and most major monuments. For the departure from GIB, if the wind is from the east (Levante), you will turn immediately over the bay for a stunning view of the Rock's western face.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏔️

Sierra Nevada

Views of mainland Spain's highest peaks, often capped with snow even in late spring.

🏖️

Costa del Sol

The glitzy Mediterranean shoreline stretching toward Malaga shortly after departure.

⛰️

The Pyrenees

Distant but clear views of the jagged mountain range separating the Iberian Peninsula from France.

🏰

Windsor Castle

An incredibly close view of the world's oldest occupied castle during the final seconds of a westerly approach.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while looking west. It offers a superior view of Windsor Castle just before landing if the aircraft is landing on runways 27L or 27R. Keep an eye out for the French Atlantic coast, specifically the distinctive islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, which are frequently visible on this flight path.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 1,747 km (1,086 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 20 min

Departure: GIB (36.1511993408, -5.3496599197400005)

Arrival: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)

Route Type: International

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