While the takeoff offers Pennine views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more distinctive and visually rewarding scenery with Orkney's unique island geography, lochs, and coastal complexity. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown BHX to KOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Kirkwall is 452 miles (727 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Lake District (visible as a cluster of water bodies and mountainous terrain if flying over it), then continues north over the Solway Firth (the body of water between England and Scotland), and passes over the Southern Uplands of Scotland before reaching Orkney. The Scottish coastline near Dumfries and Galloway becomes visible mid-flight. Depending on exact routing, you may see the Cheviot Hills on the left (east) as you cross into Scotland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Pennines and the industrial landscape of the Midlands as you climb northwestward. Left side faces toward London and the Cotswolds, which are less dramatic from this angle.
Landing at KOI
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Orkney Islands' distinctive geography as you descend into Kirkwall. The irregular coastline, lochs, and island formations are striking from altitude. Right side faces open water and the Scottish mainland, which is less visually interesting.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Kirkwall (KOI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Kirkwall. While the takeoff offers Pennine views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more distinctive and visually rewarding scenery with Orkney's unique island geography, lochs, and coastal complexity. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Pennines and the industrial landscape of the Midlands as you climb northwestward. Left side faces toward London and the Cotswolds, which are less dramatic from this angle. Notable sights include: Pennine Hills to the north, Worcestershire plains to the west, Coventry and Birmingham urban sprawl below, Lickey Hills ridge to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Kirkwall in Kirkwall?
When landing at Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Orkney Islands' distinctive geography as you descend into Kirkwall. The irregular coastline, lochs, and island formations are striking from altitude. Right side faces open water and the Scottish mainland, which is less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Orkney Islands' irregular coastline with multiple lochs, Hoy Hills (the highest point in Orkney), Scapa Flow (the sheltered water body between islands), Kirkwall Bay and harbor approach.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Kirkwall?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Kirkwall (KOI) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 452 miles (727 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Kirkwall flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Lake District (visible as a cluster of water bodies and mountainous terrain if flying over it), then continues north over the Solway Firth (the body of water between England and Scotland), and passes over the Southern Uplands of Scotland before reaching Orkney. The Scottish coastline near Dumfries and Galloway becomes visible mid-flight. Depending on exact routing, you may see the Cheviot Hills on the left (east) as you cross into Scotland.