While the left side offers excellent views during takeoff, the right side provides more dramatic and sustained scenery during descent—particularly Mount Olympus, the Pieria range, and the approach to Thessaloniki's coastal setting. The landing views are more visually rewarding than the takeoff.
Flown HEL to SKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Thessaloniki is 1,371 miles (2,206 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over Serbia and North Macedonia. Notable features include the Danube River valley (visible in early stages), the Rhodope Mountains spanning the Greece-Bulgaria border, and the Pindus Mountains in central Greece. Lake Prespa (on the North Macedonia-Greece border) and the Haliacmon River valley are visible during the descent phase. The route generally follows a south-southwest trajectory, with the Aegean Sea appearing on the right side during the final approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTLeft side captures the Gulf of Finland and the archipelago extending south toward Estonia. The Baltic coastline and scattered islands are visually distinctive during the initial climb-out from Helsinki Vantaa.
Landing at SKG
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Thermaic Gulf and the approach into Thessaloniki from the north. The Olympus massif and Pieria mountains become prominent on the right as you descend toward the airport, with the city sprawling along the coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Makedonia (SKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Thessaloniki. While the left side offers excellent views during takeoff, the right side provides more dramatic and sustained scenery during descent—particularly Mount Olympus, the Pieria range, and the approach to Thessaloniki's coastal setting. The landing views are more visually rewarding than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Gulf of Finland and the archipelago extending south toward Estonia. The Baltic coastline and scattered islands are visually distinctive during the initial climb-out from Helsinki Vantaa. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Finnish archipelago, Baltic Sea coastline, Tallinn (visible as urban area across the water in Estonia).
What can I see when landing at Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
When landing at Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Thermaic Gulf and the approach into Thessaloniki from the north. The Olympus massif and Pieria mountains become prominent on the right as you descend toward the airport, with the city sprawling along the coastline. Notable sights include: Mount Olympus (visible as a distant peak on the right), Pieria Mountains, Thermaic Gulf, Thessaloniki urban area and harbor.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Thessaloniki?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Makedonia (SKG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,371 miles (2,206 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Thessaloniki flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over Serbia and North Macedonia. Notable features include the Danube River valley (visible in early stages), the Rhodope Mountains spanning the Greece-Bulgaria border, and the Pindus Mountains in central Greece. Lake Prespa (on the North Macedonia-Greece border) and the Haliacmon River valley are visible during the descent phase. The route generally follows a south-southwest trajectory, with the Aegean Sea appearing on the right side during the final approach.