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MLE destination photo
LGW destination photo

MLELGW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The Right Side offers a superior perspective for the initial ascent over the Northern Maldives atolls and provides a better chance of spotting the UAE coastline and London's iconic skyline during the descent into Gatwick.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

North Malé Atoll

Spectacular aerial views of the resort islands and sandbanks north of the capital city.

🏙️

Dubai Skyline

Frequent flight paths offer a distant but clear view of the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah.

⛰️

Taurus Mountains

The rugged and often snow-dusted ridges of Southern Turkey's most prominent mountain range.

🌊

The Black Sea

The dark, expansive waters contrasting against the vibrant green coastline of Bulgaria.

🏰

Central European Cities

Glance down at the historic layouts of cities like Budapest or Munich depending on the day's airway.

🎡

Greater London

On the standard approach to LGW, you can often see the Shard and the London Eye to the north.

Choose the right side to maximize your view of the Maldives atolls during the high-angle climb. On approach to Gatwick, look out for the 'Ockham' holding pattern which often circles over the Kent countryside, providing excellent views of the London sprawl to the north.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏝️

South Malé Atoll

Breathtaking views of turquoise lagoons and coral rings immediately after departing from Velana International.

🏜️

The Empty Quarter

The vast, rolling orange sand dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert in Saudi Arabia.

🌊

Red Sea Coast

The dramatic meeting point of the arid Arabian peninsula and the deep blue waters of the Red Sea.

🏔️

The Swiss Alps

Jagged, snow-capped peaks visible as the flight crosses from Southern to Central Europe.

🚜

French Farmland

The intricate patchwork of green and gold fields across the rolling hills of Northern France.

🌁

English Channel

The narrow stretch of water separating continental Europe from the white cliffs of the UK coast.

The left side is ideal for capturing the late afternoon sun illuminating the Arabian desert. For the best views of the Alps, ensure you are awake approximately 8 hours into the flight. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze over the Red Sea.

Top Activities in London
Route Information

Distance: 8,514 km (5,290 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 1 min

Departure: MLE (4.1918301582336435, 73.52909851074219)

Arrival: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Route Type: International

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