Left seats capture the most distinctive geography: the dramatic Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills at departure, and the Atlantic approach to Porto Santo's volcanic coastline during landing. The flight path itself crosses the Bay of Biscay with limited notable features, making departure views the highlight.
Flown EDI to PXO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Porto Santo is 1,699 miles (2,734 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Bay of Biscay with minimal visible landmarks at cruise altitude. The route passes west of the Iberian Peninsula; on clear days, the Cantabrian coast of Spain may be visible on the left during the southern leg, but this is not guaranteed. The Atlantic crossing dominates the middle portion with open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Portuguese airspace, the Madeira archipelago becomes visible on the right side during descent, with Porto Santo being the northernmost island in the group.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTEdinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of the Firth of Forth estuary and the Pentland Hills to the south during climb-out, which are the most distinctive features visible immediately after takeoff.
Landing at PXO
RIGHTPorto Santo airport is on the northern coast of Porto Santo island. Right seats during approach offer views of the Atlantic coastline, the island's volcanic terrain, and the approach path over open ocean before final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Porto Santo (PXO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Porto Santo. Left seats capture the most distinctive geography: the dramatic Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills at departure, and the Atlantic approach to Porto Santo's volcanic coastline during landing. The flight path itself crosses the Bay of Biscay with limited notable features, making departure views the highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of the Firth of Forth estuary and the Pentland Hills to the south during climb-out, which are the most distinctive features visible immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (wide estuary with islands), Pentland Hills (rolling moorland ridge), Edinburgh city center (visible briefly on left), Forth Road Bridge and rail bridge (crossing the firth).
What can I see when landing at Porto Santo in Porto Santo?
When landing at Porto Santo (PXO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Porto Santo airport is on the northern coast of Porto Santo island. Right seats during approach offer views of the Atlantic coastline, the island's volcanic terrain, and the approach path over open ocean before final descent. Notable sights include: Porto Santo island coastline (dark volcanic cliffs), Atlantic Ocean (open water), neighboring Madeira island (visible in distance on clear days), volcanic crater formations (visible on island surface).
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Porto Santo?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Porto Santo (PXO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,699 miles (2,734 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Porto Santo flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Bay of Biscay with minimal visible landmarks at cruise altitude. The route passes west of the Iberian Peninsula; on clear days, the Cantabrian coast of Spain may be visible on the left during the southern leg, but this is not guaranteed. The Atlantic crossing dominates the middle portion with open ocean. As the aircraft approaches Portuguese airspace, the Madeira archipelago becomes visible on the right side during descent, with Porto Santo being the northernmost island in the group.