The right side offers the more dramatic and varied route: a possible London glimpse on departure, the northern Alps and Po Valley during cruise, the Adriatic coastline, and Mount Olympus on arrival — versus the largely flat, featureless terrain visible from the left throughout the flight.
Flown BHX to SKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Thessaloniki is 1,425 miles (2,293 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Route passes near the northern Alps and the upper Po Valley around Switzerland/northern Italy, with the Adriatic Sea and Balkan mountain ranges (Dinaric Alps, Pindus foothills) crossed later in the flight before descent into Greece.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTDeparting BHX on runway 15, the climb-out heads southeast, and the outbound track passes just north of London before curving toward the Channel. Passengers on the right can catch a distant glimpse of the London conurbation and the Thames valley, while the left side only shows the flat Midlands and East Anglian countryside.
Landing at SKG
RIGHTApproaching SKG from the west across the Thermaikos Gulf, the aircraft typically lines up on runway 10, putting the coastline and the snow-capped bulk of Mount Olympus on the right side as the plane descends, while the left side faces open water and the flat Macedonian plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Makedonia (SKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Thessaloniki. The right side offers the more dramatic and varied route: a possible London glimpse on departure, the northern Alps and Po Valley during cruise, the Adriatic coastline, and Mount Olympus on arrival — versus the largely flat, featureless terrain visible from the left throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BHX on runway 15, the climb-out heads southeast, and the outbound track passes just north of London before curving toward the Channel. Passengers on the right can catch a distant glimpse of the London conurbation and the Thames valley, while the left side only shows the flat Midlands and East Anglian countryside. Notable sights include: Cotswold Hills, distant London skyline/Thames estuary, patchwork farmland of the English Midlands.
What can I see when landing at Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
When landing at Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching SKG from the west across the Thermaikos Gulf, the aircraft typically lines up on runway 10, putting the coastline and the snow-capped bulk of Mount Olympus on the right side as the plane descends, while the left side faces open water and the flat Macedonian plain. Notable sights include: Mount Olympus, Thermaikos Gulf coastline, Thessaloniki waterfront and White Tower area.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Thessaloniki?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Makedonia (SKG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,425 miles (2,293 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Thessaloniki flight path pass over?
Route passes near the northern Alps and the upper Po Valley around Switzerland/northern Italy, with the Adriatic Sea and Balkan mountain ranges (Dinaric Alps, Pindus foothills) crossed later in the flight before descent into Greece.