While takeoff offers good North Sea coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Shetland Islands' unique rocky terrain and Sumburgh Head are visually striking. Left seats capture the most memorable portion of this short route.
Flown ABZ to LSI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Aberdeen to Sumburgh is 188 miles (302 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path heads north-northeast over the North Sea from Aberdeen toward Shetland. At midpoint, you're roughly 25-30 miles east of the Scottish mainland coast, with the open North Sea visible below. The Moray Firth and Firth of Tay remain visible to the west (left) during early climb. As you progress northward, the mainland coastline recedes westward, and the sea dominates the view. Shetland Islands begin to appear on the horizon around 20 minutes into the flight. The islands' distinctive rocky, treeless character becomes increasingly visible as you descend toward Sumburgh in the final 10-15 minutes.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Sea coastline and the Aberdeenshire coast as you climb northeastward. The left side faces inland toward relatively flat agricultural terrain with less visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at LSI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Sumburgh. You'll see the Shetland Islands' distinctive rocky terrain, lochs, and the southern tip of Mainland Shetland where the airport sits. The right side faces open ocean with less to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dyce (ABZ) to Sumburgh (LSI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Aberdeen to Sumburgh. While takeoff offers good North Sea coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Shetland Islands' unique rocky terrain and Sumburgh Head are visually striking. Left seats capture the most memorable portion of this short route.
What can I see during takeoff from Dyce in Aberdeen?
During takeoff from Dyce (ABZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Sea coastline and the Aberdeenshire coast as you climb northeastward. The left side faces inland toward relatively flat agricultural terrain with less visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: North Sea, Aberdeenshire coastline, Stonehaven cliffs (south of Aberdeen), Dunnottar Castle promontory.
What can I see when landing at Sumburgh in Sumburgh?
When landing at Sumburgh (LSI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Sumburgh. You'll see the Shetland Islands' distinctive rocky terrain, lochs, and the southern tip of Mainland Shetland where the airport sits. The right side faces open ocean with less to see. Notable sights include: Shetland Islands (Mainland), Sumburgh Head, Jarlshof archaeological site, Quendale Bay.
How long is the flight from Aberdeen to Sumburgh?
The flight from Dyce (ABZ) to Sumburgh (LSI) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 188 miles (302 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Aberdeen to Sumburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path heads north-northeast over the North Sea from Aberdeen toward Shetland. At midpoint, you're roughly 25-30 miles east of the Scottish mainland coast, with the open North Sea visible below. The Moray Firth and Firth of Tay remain visible to the west (left) during early climb. As you progress northward, the mainland coastline recedes westward, and the sea dominates the view. Shetland Islands begin to appear on the horizon around 20 minutes into the flight. The islands' distinctive rocky, treeless character becomes increasingly visible as you descend toward Sumburgh in the final 10-15 minutes.