While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left—featuring the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline—is more spectacular and memorable. The approach descent provides extended viewing time of these iconic features.
Flown BHX to CHQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Chania is 1,722 miles (2,771 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean at roughly 35,000 feet. Notable features include: the Pyrenees (visible as a distant ridge if departing early morning with clear conditions), the Gulf of Lion off southern France, Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Menorca visible as small landmasses in the western Mediterranean), Sardinia and Corsica (larger islands in the central Mediterranean), and the Italian peninsula's southern tip. The crossing of the Mediterranean itself offers extended views of open sea with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. As you approach Greece, the Peloponnese becomes visible, followed by the Aegean islands scattered across the horizon before descent into Crete.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTBirmingham typically departs eastbound (runways 15/33), and right-side seats offer views of the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley as you climb. Left side faces industrial Birmingham and the Black Country.
Landing at CHQ
LEFTChania typically uses runway 11 (southwest approach), so left-side seats descending from the northeast offer excellent views of the White Mountains and the Cretan coastline. Right side faces inland terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Souda (CHQ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Chania. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left—featuring the dramatic White Mountains and Cretan coastline—is more spectacular and memorable. The approach descent provides extended viewing time of these iconic features.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Birmingham typically departs eastbound (runways 15/33), and right-side seats offer views of the Malvern Hills and the Severn Valley as you climb. Left side faces industrial Birmingham and the Black Country. Notable sights include: Malvern Hills (southeast), Severn Valley (south), Cotswolds plateau (east), Cannock Chase (northeast).
What can I see when landing at Souda in Chania?
When landing at Souda (CHQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Chania typically uses runway 11 (southwest approach), so left-side seats descending from the northeast offer excellent views of the White Mountains and the Cretan coastline. Right side faces inland terrain. Notable sights include: White Mountains (Lefka Ori) - snow-capped peaks, Cretan Sea (north coast), Chania city and harbor, Samaria Gorge region.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Chania?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Souda (CHQ) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,722 miles (2,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Chania flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean at roughly 35,000 feet. Notable features include: the Pyrenees (visible as a distant ridge if departing early morning with clear conditions), the Gulf of Lion off southern France, Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Menorca visible as small landmasses in the western Mediterranean), Sardinia and Corsica (larger islands in the central Mediterranean), and the Italian peninsula's southern tip. The crossing of the Mediterranean itself offers extended views of open sea with occasional shipping traffic visible as small white dots. As you approach Greece, the Peloponnese becomes visible, followed by the Aegean islands scattered across the horizon before descent into Crete.