KOI

Best window seat at Kirkwall

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

Scapa Flow, Hoy High, Stromness town

LandingLEFT

Scapa Flow, Hoy island, Orkney Mainland's eastern coastline with scattered lochs

🛫 Taking Off from Kirkwall (KOI)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 27 departures head westward over the Orkney Mainland's interior and coastal features. The left side offers views of Scapa Flow, the sheltered anchorage to the south, and the dramatic cliffs and lochs of western Orkney as you climb out.
Look forScapa Flow (major water body south of departure path), Hoy High (distant hills on the horizon southwest), Stromness town (small settlement visible on the coast), numerous freshwater lochs dotting the moorland below

🛬 Landing at Kirkwall (KOI)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 27 (westbound) means the aircraft approaches from the east over the Orkney Mainland. The left side offers views of Scapa Flow, the sheltered anchorage to the south, and the irregular coastline of Hoy island across the water. The right side faces open North Sea with minimal geographic interest.
Look forScapa Flow (large protected bay), Hoy island (distinctive hills across the water to southwest), Orkney Mainland's eastern coastline with scattered lochs, Kirkwall town and harbor area below during final descent

Kirkwall Airport is a small regional airport with a single modest terminal, serving as the hub for Orkney's unique inter-island flight network connecting to some of the shortest scheduled flights in the world, including the famous two-minute hop to Westray.

⛰️ Elevation52 ft
🛫 Runways2 (09/27, 14/32)
✈️ HubLoganair
📍 NearbyEOI 17 miWIC 35 miLSI 85 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Kirkwall (KOI)?

At Kirkwall in Kirkwall: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Scapa Flow (major water body south of departure path), Hoy High (distant hills on the horizon southwest), Stromness town (small settlement visible on the coast), numerous freshwater lochs dotting the moorland below.

What can I see during takeoff from Kirkwall in Kirkwall?

When taking off from Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 27 departures head westward over the Orkney Mainland's interior and coastal features. The left side offers views of Scapa Flow, the sheltered anchorage to the south, and the dramatic cliffs and lochs of western Orkney as you climb out. Notable sights include: Scapa Flow (major water body south of departure path), Hoy High (distant hills on the horizon southwest), Stromness town (small settlement visible on the coast), numerous freshwater lochs dotting the moorland below.

What can I see when landing at Kirkwall in Kirkwall?

When landing at Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 27 (westbound) means the aircraft approaches from the east over the Orkney Mainland. The left side offers views of Scapa Flow, the sheltered anchorage to the south, and the irregular coastline of Hoy island across the water. The right side faces open North Sea with minimal geographic interest. Notable sights include: Scapa Flow (large protected bay), Hoy island (distinctive hills across the water to southwest), Orkney Mainland's eastern coastline with scattered lochs, Kirkwall town and harbor area below during final descent.

What factors affect the best window seat at Kirkwall?

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