Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Eyjafjörður fjord and the Icelandic highlands on departure, and the full New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline panorama on arrival. Neither side offers much over the mid-Atlantic, so the terminal views are the deciding factor.
Flown AEY to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Akureyri to Newark is 2,750 miles (4,425 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast from Iceland over the Denmark Strait, then across the open North Atlantic. Greenland's southeastern ice cap edge may be briefly visible early in the flight on the right side if routing goes near it. The route passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where the Canadian Maritime coastline may be distantly visible. The final descent crosses Long Island Sound or the New Jersey coast depending on routing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AEY
LEFTAkureyri's runway 01/19 typically sees departures heading south or north over the fjord. Departing southbound (runway 01), the left side faces east toward Eyjafjörður fjord and the dramatic mountains flanking it, including Súlur and Kerling peaks rising above the snowline. The fjord stretches visibly northward behind you as you climb.
Landing at EWR
LEFTApproaching EWR from the northeast on the typical runway 22L/22R configuration, the left side faces southeast toward Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. This is one of the most iconic urban approaches in aviation, with the Hudson River and Manhattan clearly visible on descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Akureyri (AEY) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Akureyri to Newark. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Eyjafjörður fjord and the Icelandic highlands on departure, and the full New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline panorama on arrival. Neither side offers much over the mid-Atlantic, so the terminal views are the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Akureyri in Akureyri?
During takeoff from Akureyri (AEY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Akureyri's runway 01/19 typically sees departures heading south or north over the fjord. Departing southbound (runway 01), the left side faces east toward Eyjafjörður fjord and the dramatic mountains flanking it, including Súlur and Kerling peaks rising above the snowline. The fjord stretches visibly northward behind you as you climb. Notable sights include: Eyjafjörður fjord, Súlur mountain (1,144m), Kerling peak, Akureyri town center below.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching EWR from the northeast on the typical runway 22L/22R configuration, the left side faces southeast toward Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. This is one of the most iconic urban approaches in aviation, with the Hudson River and Manhattan clearly visible on descent. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, Hudson River, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Akureyri to Newark?
The flight from Akureyri (AEY) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,750 miles (4,425 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Akureyri to Newark flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast from Iceland over the Denmark Strait, then across the open North Atlantic. Greenland's southeastern ice cap edge may be briefly visible early in the flight on the right side if routing goes near it. The route passes south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, where the Canadian Maritime coastline may be distantly visible. The final descent crosses Long Island Sound or the New Jersey coast depending on routing.