About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athinai (HEW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get Athens city, the Acropolis, and the Saronic Gulf; at arrival you get the Manhattan skyline on approach to JFK. During the transatlantic cruise both sides are largely ocean, so the terminal views are the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Athinai in Athens?
During takeoff from Athinai (HEW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens airport (LGAV) typically departs westward on runway 03L/21R or 03R/21L. On a westbound departure climbing out over Attica, the left side faces south toward the Saronic Gulf, with the Aegina island clearly visible and the Argolic peninsula beyond. The Acropolis and central Athens are also visible to the left as the aircraft turns northwest. Notable sights include: Acropolis of Athens and city center, Saronic Gulf with Aegina island, Mount Hymettus ridge east of Athens, Piraeus port and coastline.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK typically lands on runways 22L/22R or 31L/31R depending on wind. On the common 22L/22R approach from the northeast, aircraft track over Long Island from the east, and the left side faces north toward Manhattan. The Manhattan skyline, East River crossings, and Brooklyn are clearly visible to the left on final approach. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park, East River and its bridges, Jamaica Bay wetlands directly below, Brooklyn and Queens urban grid.
How long is the flight from Athens to New York?
The flight from Athinai (HEW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Athens to New York flight path pass over?
Departing Greece the route passes over the Ionian Sea and southern Italy or Sicily, then crosses the Tyrrhenian Sea and Sardinia. The flight then tracks over the western Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands, crosses southern Spain or Portugal near Lisbon, and enters the North Atlantic. The transatlantic crossing passes south of Iceland and Greenland, with the Canadian Maritime provinces and Nova Scotia visible before descending toward New England and Long Island.