The left side delivers the spectacular NYC departure view which is one of the best urban aerial spectacles in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic offers little to see on either side, and the Orkney arrival views, while scenic, are more modest in scale. The NYC takeoff experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
Flown EWR to KOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Kirkwall is 3,236 miles (5,207 km), a flight of about 7 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northeast over New England, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle arc passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Visible features mid-flight may include the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet on clear days from the left side at cruise altitude, and the occasional iceberg field in the Labrador Sea. The Scottish Highlands and northern Scotland coastline appear on descent, with the Moray Firth and Caithness coastline visible before crossing to Orkney.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR departures on runway 22L/22R head southwest before turning north, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft banks northeast toward the Atlantic.
Landing at KOI
RIGHTKirkwall Airport sits on the Orkney Mainland and approaches typically come in from the south or southwest over Scapa Flow. A right-side seat gives you the best view of Scapa Flow, the island-dotted sound, and the patchwork of Orkney farmland on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Kirkwall (KOI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Kirkwall. The left side delivers the spectacular NYC departure view which is one of the best urban aerial spectacles in the world. Mid-flight over the North Atlantic offers little to see on either side, and the Orkney arrival views, while scenic, are more modest in scale. The NYC takeoff experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR departures on runway 22L/22R head southwest before turning north, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft banks northeast toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty in Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Kirkwall in Kirkwall?
When landing at Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kirkwall Airport sits on the Orkney Mainland and approaches typically come in from the south or southwest over Scapa Flow. A right-side seat gives you the best view of Scapa Flow, the island-dotted sound, and the patchwork of Orkney farmland on final approach. Notable sights include: Scapa Flow, Orkney Mainland coastline, Hoy island to the south, Kirkwall town and its bay.
How long is the flight from Newark to Kirkwall?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Kirkwall (KOI) takes about 7 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,236 miles (5,207 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Kirkwall flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over New England, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle arc passing south of Greenland and Iceland. Visible features mid-flight may include the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet on clear days from the left side at cruise altitude, and the occasional iceberg field in the Labrador Sea. The Scottish Highlands and northern Scotland coastline appear on descent, with the Moray Firth and Caithness coastline visible before crossing to Orkney.