Newquai to Edinburgh is 387 miles (622 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
While takeoff offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more varied and distinctive landmarks: the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Edinburgh's iconic geography make the right side the stronger choice for the overall flight.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bristol Channel and Welsh airspace before heading north over the Midlands. Notable features include the Severn Estuary (visible from climb-out if turning right), the Welsh hills receding to the west, and the Pennines visible as a distant ridge to the east during the cruise phase. The Lake District mountains may be visible on the right side during the northern portion of cruise, with the Scottish Borders and Southern Uplands becoming prominent as the aircraft descends toward Edinburgh.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NQY
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Cornish coastline and the Atlantic approaches. You'll see the dramatic cliffs and coves of north Cornwall as the aircraft climbs northeastward from St Mawgan.

Landing at EDI
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Edinburgh. You'll see the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth estuary as the aircraft approaches from the southwest, with the city itself visible in the final descent phase.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newquai to Edinburgh. While takeoff offers dramatic coastal scenery, the landing approach provides more varied and distinctive landmarks: the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, and Edinburgh's iconic geography make the right side the stronger choice for the overall flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cornwall Airport Newquay in Newquai?
During takeoff from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Cornish coastline and the Atlantic approaches. You'll see the dramatic cliffs and coves of north Cornwall as the aircraft climbs northeastward from St Mawgan. Notable sights include: Watergate Bay, Perranporth Beach, Trevose Head, Atlantic Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views during the descent into Edinburgh. You'll see the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth estuary as the aircraft approaches from the southwest, with the city itself visible in the final descent phase. Notable sights include: Pentland Hills, Firth of Forth, Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh city center.
How long is the flight from Newquai to Edinburgh?
The flight from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 387 miles (622 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newquai to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bristol Channel and Welsh airspace before heading north over the Midlands. Notable features include the Severn Estuary (visible from climb-out if turning right), the Welsh hills receding to the west, and the Pennines visible as a distant ridge to the east during the cruise phase. The Lake District mountains may be visible on the right side during the northern portion of cruise, with the Scottish Borders and Southern Uplands becoming prominent as the aircraft descends toward Edinburgh.