Flight from Gatwick to Corfu
Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving over 46 million passengers annually. It is a popular departure point for tourists visiting the Greek island of Corfu, which is situated in the Ionian Sea. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and rich history, Corfu is an attractive destination for people looking for a relaxing holiday. In this article, we will explore the duration of the flight from Gatwick to Corfu and what factors can affect it.
Airlines that operate this route
Several airlines operate flights from Gatwick to Corfu, including easyJet, TUI, British Airways, and Ryanair. These airlines offer both direct and connecting flights to Corfu. The frequency of flights varies throughout the year, with more flights available during the summer months, which is the peak tourist season.
Flight route and distance
The flight distance between Gatwick and Corfu is approximately 1,130 miles (1,820 km). The flight route typically takes a south-east direction, crossing over continental Europe and the Adriatic Sea before reaching the island of Corfu. The flight usually flies over countries such as France, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece, depending on the airline and flight path chosen.
Factors affecting flight duration
Several factors can affect the duration of the flight from Gatwick to Corfu, including the airline, aircraft type, flight path, and weather conditions. Direct flights typically take less time than connecting flights, and larger aircraft can operate the route more efficiently, reducing the flight duration. Additionally, headwinds or tailwinds can impact the flight time, with tailwinds reducing the time and headwinds increasing it.
Typical flight duration
The typical flight duration from Gatwick to Corfu is around 3 hours and 15 minutes for a direct flight. Connecting flights, on the other hand, can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the layover time and the connecting airport. The actual flight time may vary slightly depending on the airline, aircraft, and the specific route taken.
Shortest possible flight time
The shortest possible flight time from Gatwick to Corfu is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, which is achievable with some airlines offering direct flights. However, this time may vary depending on the wind conditions and the specific route taken.
Longest possible flight time
The longest possible flight time from Gatwick to Corfu is around 14 hours, which is possible with a combination of connecting flights and long layovers. However, this is not a common route, and most travelers opt for direct flights or connecting flights with shorter layover times.
Connecting flights and layover time
Connecting flights are a common option for travelers flying from Gatwick to Corfu. These flights typically add a layover time of a few hours to the journey. The length of the layover time can vary depending on the airline and the connecting airport. Some travelers prefer longer layovers, which allow them to explore the connecting city, while others prefer shorter layovers to minimize the time spent in transit.
Tips to reduce flight time
To reduce the flight time from Gatwick to Corfu, travelers can choose direct flights or connecting flights with shorter layover times. Additionally, choosing a larger aircraft can help reduce the flight time, as these planes are faster and more efficient. Travelers can also try to avoid flights during peak travel times, as these tend to be more crowded and can result in longer transit times.
How to cope with a long flight
Long flights can be challenging, particularly for travelers who are not accustomed to long-haul flights. To make the journey more comfortable, travelers can bring entertainment such as books, movies, or games, and invest in comfortable travel accessories such as neck pillows or eye masks. It is also important to stay hydrated and move around the cabin periodically to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Conclusion: What to expect on this route
In conclusion, the flight from Gatwick to Corfu is a popular route for travelers seeking a sunny holiday on the Greek island. The flight typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes for a direct flight, with connecting flights adding a few more hours to the journey. Travelers can choose from several airlines and flight paths, with options for direct or connecting flights. With the right preparation, travelers can make the journey more comfortable and arrive in Corfu feeling refreshed and ready for their holiday.
Sources and further information
- Gatwick Airport: https://www.gatwickairport.com/
- Corfu Island:
- Flight time calculator: https://www.flighttimecalculator.org/
- Deep vein thrombosis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt/