While takeoff favors the right for Firth of Forth views, the landing approach over Pentland Firth and Scapa Flow is the flight's most dramatic geography. Left-side seats capture this better, and the Firth crossing is the defining visual feature of this short 30-minute route.
Flown EDI to KOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Kirkwall is 209 miles (336 km), a flight of about 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Firth of Forth northbound, then tracks over the North Sea toward the Pentland Firth—the narrow, turbulent channel between the Scottish mainland and Orkney. At cruise altitude (around 8,000-12,000 feet for this short hop), you'll see the Firth of Forth receding south, open North Sea to the east, and the approach to Orkney's distinctive moorland and water-filled landscape. The Pentland Firth itself is the most visually striking feature—its rough, tide-ripped waters are unmistakable from altitude and mark the final descent into Kirkwall.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
RIGHTEdinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills to the south during initial climb. The northbound routing toward Orkney means you'll track over the Firth, making the right side the better vantage for water and coastal geography.
Landing at KOI
LEFTKirkwall airport (EGPA) uses runway 09/27 depending on wind. Approach typically comes from the south or southwest. Left-side seats provide views of Orkney Mainland's distinctive rolling terrain, Scapa Flow (the large natural harbor), and the approach path over the Pentland Firth's turbulent waters—the geographic highlight of this short route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Kirkwall (KOI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Kirkwall. While takeoff favors the right for Firth of Forth views, the landing approach over Pentland Firth and Scapa Flow is the flight's most dramatic geography. Left-side seats capture this better, and the Firth crossing is the defining visual feature of this short 30-minute route.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Edinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Right-side seats offer views of the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills to the south during initial climb. The northbound routing toward Orkney means you'll track over the Firth, making the right side the better vantage for water and coastal geography. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (immediately below during climb), Pentland Hills (south, receding), Forth Road Bridge and rail bridge (visible briefly if runway 06 departure), Isle of May (small island in Firth, visible as you climb northbound).
What can I see when landing at Kirkwall in Kirkwall?
When landing at Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Kirkwall airport (EGPA) uses runway 09/27 depending on wind. Approach typically comes from the south or southwest. Left-side seats provide views of Orkney Mainland's distinctive rolling terrain, Scapa Flow (the large natural harbor), and the approach path over the Pentland Firth's turbulent waters—the geographic highlight of this short route. Notable sights include: Pentland Firth (the narrow, rough water channel between Orkney and Scottish mainland), Scapa Flow (large sheltered anchorage on Orkney's west side), Orkney Mainland's moorland and lochs (visible as patchwork of brown and blue), Hoy (the larger island to the west, visible as higher terrain).
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Kirkwall?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Kirkwall (KOI) takes about 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 209 miles (336 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Kirkwall flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Firth of Forth northbound, then tracks over the North Sea toward the Pentland Firth—the narrow, turbulent channel between the Scottish mainland and Orkney. At cruise altitude (around 8,000-12,000 feet for this short hop), you'll see the Firth of Forth receding south, open North Sea to the east, and the approach to Orkney's distinctive moorland and water-filled landscape. The Pentland Firth itself is the most visually striking feature—its rough, tide-ripped waters are unmistakable from altitude and mark the final descent into Kirkwall.