The left side offers continuous coastal and urban scenery — Edinburgh and the Forth at departure, the Fife and Angus coastline during cruise, and the cliffs and voes of Shetland on arrival — while the right side faces mostly featureless North Sea throughout the flight.
Flown EDI to LSI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Sumburgh is 282 miles (454 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Aberdeen coastline and harbor, North Sea oil platforms, Moray Firth entrance
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTDeparting runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest then arcs north, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Edinburgh's skyline, the Firth of Forth, and the Forth bridges before the route tracks up the Fife coastline. The right side only shows the open North Sea horizon during this turn.
Landing at LSI
LEFTOn approach into Sumburgh, aircraft typically fly up Shetland Mainland's east side before turning onto final for runway 09/27, putting the dramatic cliffs of Sumburgh Head, Fitful Head, and the narrow voes of the southern Mainland on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly faces open sea until touchdown.
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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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Sumburgh. The left side offers continuous coastal and urban scenery — Edinburgh and the Forth at departure, the Fife and Angus coastline during cruise, and the cliffs and voes of Shetland on arrival — while the right side faces mostly featureless North Sea throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest then arcs north, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over Edinburgh's skyline, the Firth of Forth, and the Forth bridges before the route tracks up the Fife coastline. The right side only shows the open North Sea horizon during this turn. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridges, Edinburgh Castle skyline, Fife coastline.
What can I see when landing at Sumburgh in Sumburgh?
When landing at Sumburgh (LSI), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Sumburgh, aircraft typically fly up Shetland Mainland's east side before turning onto final for runway 09/27, putting the dramatic cliffs of Sumburgh Head, Fitful Head, and the narrow voes of the southern Mainland on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly faces open sea until touchdown. Notable sights include: Sumburgh Head cliffs, Fitful Head, Mousa Island, St Ninian's Isle tombolo.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Sumburgh?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Sumburgh (LSI) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 282 miles (454 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Sumburgh flight path pass over?
Aberdeen coastline and harbor, North Sea oil platforms, Moray Firth entrance