While takeoff from Sumburgh offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach into Edinburgh provides more varied and iconic landmarks visible from the left side—the Firth of Forth, its bridges, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh itself make for a more rewarding overall journey.
Flown LSI to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sumburgh to Edinburgh is 282 miles (454 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight path crosses the North Sea in a southwesterly direction. Notable features include the Scottish coastline approaching from the northeast (Fife coast becomes visible), the Firth of Forth estuary widening as you descend, and the transition from open sea to the populated central belt of Scotland. The Lammermuir Hills may be visible to the southeast as you approach Edinburgh airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LSI
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Sumburgh Head's dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out. The aircraft typically departs southwestward, so right-side passengers see the distinctive southern tip of Mainland Shetland and the surrounding sea.
Landing at EDI
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Edinburgh. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, left-side passengers see the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and the city of Edinburgh itself spread across the landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sumburgh (LSI) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sumburgh to Edinburgh. While takeoff from Sumburgh offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach into Edinburgh provides more varied and iconic landmarks visible from the left side—the Firth of Forth, its bridges, the Pentland Hills, and Edinburgh itself make for a more rewarding overall journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Sumburgh in Sumburgh?
During takeoff from Sumburgh (LSI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Sumburgh Head's dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out. The aircraft typically departs southwestward, so right-side passengers see the distinctive southern tip of Mainland Shetland and the surrounding sea. Notable sights include: Sumburgh Head (sheer sandstone cliffs), Atlantic Ocean to the west, Fitful Head to the north, Fair Isle visible in the distance to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Edinburgh. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, left-side passengers see the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and the city of Edinburgh itself spread across the landscape. Notable sights include: Pentland Hills (rolling moorland south of Edinburgh), Firth of Forth (wide estuary with bridges), Edinburgh city center and castle ridge, Forth Road Bridge and rail bridge.
How long is the flight from Sumburgh to Edinburgh?
The flight from Sumburgh (LSI) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 282 miles (454 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sumburgh to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea in a southwesterly direction. Notable features include the Scottish coastline approaching from the northeast (Fife coast becomes visible), the Firth of Forth estuary widening as you descend, and the transition from open sea to the populated central belt of Scotland. The Lammermuir Hills may be visible to the southeast as you approach Edinburgh airspace.