EMA

Best window seat at East Midlands

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Trent Valley farmland

LandingRIGHT

Donington Park racing circuit, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent

🛫 Taking Off from East Midlands (EMA)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn a westbound departure off runway 27, the left side faces south, giving you a good look at the distinctive cooling towers of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station just a few miles from the airfield, sitting right on the River Trent. You'll also see the flat, green Trent Valley farmland stretching out below as the plane climbs.
Look forRatcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Trent Valley farmland, Donington Park circuit (briefly, close to the airport boundary)

🛬 Landing at East Midlands (EMA)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 27 means approaching from the east and touching down heading west, so the right side of the aircraft faces north. That gives you a good look at the Donington Park motor racing circuit right next to the airfield boundary and the distinctive cooling towers of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station along the River Trent valley just beyond it.
Look forDonington Park racing circuit, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Castle Donington village

A single-runway airport with one main terminal, EMA handles a mix of passenger charter/low-cost flights and heavy overnight cargo traffic, making it the UK's largest dedicated freight airport alongside its passenger operations.

⛰️ Elevation308 ft
🛫 Runways1 (09/27)
✈️ HubRyanair, DHL Aviation, UPS Airlines
📍 NearbyBHX 32 miMAN 53 miHUY 65 miLPL 72 miLBA 73 mi

Connecting at EMA?

Find out if your layover is long enough at East Midlands.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at East Midlands (EMA)?

At East Midlands in East Midlands: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Trent Valley farmland, Donington Park circuit (briefly, close to the airport boundary).

What can I see during takeoff from East Midlands in East Midlands?

When taking off from East Midlands (EMA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On a westbound departure off runway 27, the left side faces south, giving you a good look at the distinctive cooling towers of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station just a few miles from the airfield, sitting right on the River Trent. You'll also see the flat, green Trent Valley farmland stretching out below as the plane climbs. Notable sights include: Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Trent Valley farmland, Donington Park circuit (briefly, close to the airport boundary).

What can I see when landing at East Midlands in East Midlands?

When landing at East Midlands (EMA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 27 means approaching from the east and touching down heading west, so the right side of the aircraft faces north. That gives you a good look at the Donington Park motor racing circuit right next to the airfield boundary and the distinctive cooling towers of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station along the River Trent valley just beyond it. Notable sights include: Donington Park racing circuit, Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station cooling towers, River Trent, Castle Donington village.

What factors affect the best window seat at East Midlands?

The best window seat at East Midlands (EMA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around East Midlands (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.