Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills on departure, then the entire flight path northward over the North Sea and Scottish coast, with views of the Fife coast, Angus, and eventually the Shetland Islands approaching from the east.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Sea northeast from Edinburgh. Notable features include the Fife coastline (St Andrews area visible to the right on departure), the Angus coast near Arbroath and Montrose, and the transition to open North Sea. The Moray Firth lies to the west (left) during cruise. As the aircraft approaches Shetland from the south, Fair Isle may be visible to the right (west) on the horizon before landing at Sumburgh.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Sumburgh (LSI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Sumburgh. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic geography: the Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills on departure, then the entire flight path northward over the North Sea and Scottish coast, with views of the Fife coast, Angus, and eventually the Shetland Islands approaching from the east.
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 and west during initial climb. The Forth bridges and coastal geography are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, Forth Road Bridge and rail bridge, Edinburgh city center and castle ridge.
What can I see when landing at Sumburgh in Sumburgh?
When landing at Sumburgh (LSI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sumburgh is at the southern tip of Mainland Shetland. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Shetland Islands' distinctive terrain—rocky moorland and coastal cliffs—plus the approach over the North Sea. The runway at Sumburgh (09/27) means westbound arrivals show the island's western cliffs and moorland. Notable sights include: Shetland moorland and peat bog landscape, Sumburgh Head cliffs, North Sea, Fitful Head.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Sumburgh?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Sumburgh (LSI) takes Approximately 50-55 minutes.
What does the Edinburgh to Sumburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea northeast from Edinburgh. Notable features include the Fife coastline (St Andrews area visible to the right on departure), the Angus coast near Arbroath and Montrose, and the transition to open North Sea. The Moray Firth lies to the west (left) during cruise. As the aircraft approaches Shetland from the south, Fair Isle may be visible to the right (west) on the horizon before landing at Sumburgh.