While left seats excel during takeoff with Orkney's island scenery, right seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight and especially during the descent into Birmingham where the urban and landscape features are more visually distinctive. The approach views outweigh the initial island scenery.
Flown KOI to BHX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kirkwall to Birmingham is 452 miles (727 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading south-southwest, passing over the Scottish east coast (Fife and Lothian regions visible to the right around 45 minutes into flight), then continues over central Scotland and northern England. Notable features include the Cheviot Hills on the England-Scotland border (visible to the right around 1 hour 15 minutes), and the Pennines running north-south through central England (visible on the right side around 1 hour 45 minutes). The descent begins over the Midlands plateau with gradual transition from rural moorland to industrial and urban development.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from KOI
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the Orkney Islands' distinctive geography as you climb out. You'll see the irregular coastlines and scattered islands that characterize this archipelago, with the Pentland Firth visible to the south separating Orkney from the Scottish mainland.
Landing at BHX
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during descent into Birmingham. You'll see the Midlands urban sprawl developing below, with the distinctive pattern of Birmingham's city center and surrounding industrial areas. The approach typically brings views of the Lickey Hills to the south and the broader West Midlands conurbation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kirkwall (KOI) to Birmingham (BHX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kirkwall to Birmingham. While left seats excel during takeoff with Orkney's island scenery, right seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight and especially during the descent into Birmingham where the urban and landscape features are more visually distinctive. The approach views outweigh the initial island scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Kirkwall in Kirkwall?
During takeoff from Kirkwall (KOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the Orkney Islands' distinctive geography as you climb out. You'll see the irregular coastlines and scattered islands that characterize this archipelago, with the Pentland Firth visible to the south separating Orkney from the Scottish mainland. Notable sights include: Orkney Islands (irregular coastline and multiple islands), Pentland Firth (water channel), Hoy (largest island with visible terrain), Scottish mainland coast (southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Birmingham in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during descent into Birmingham. You'll see the Midlands urban sprawl developing below, with the distinctive pattern of Birmingham's city center and surrounding industrial areas. The approach typically brings views of the Lickey Hills to the south and the broader West Midlands conurbation. Notable sights include: Birmingham city center (urban grid pattern), West Midlands conurbation (sprawling development), Lickey Hills (elevated terrain to south), Severn Valley (river valley visible to west).
How long is the flight from Kirkwall to Birmingham?
The flight from Kirkwall (KOI) to Birmingham (BHX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 452 miles (727 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kirkwall to Birmingham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea heading south-southwest, passing over the Scottish east coast (Fife and Lothian regions visible to the right around 45 minutes into flight), then continues over central Scotland and northern England. Notable features include the Cheviot Hills on the England-Scotland border (visible to the right around 1 hour 15 minutes), and the Pennines running north-south through central England (visible on the right side around 1 hour 45 minutes). The descent begins over the Midlands plateau with gradual transition from rural moorland to industrial and urban development.