Newquai to Faro is 939 miles (1,511 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Right-seat passengers benefit from the superior takeoff view of the Cornish coast and Channel, and the landing approach over Ria Formosa is equally dramatic from either side, but the departure advantage is decisive for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay at cruising altitude (around 25,000 feet). At midpoint, passengers will be over open ocean roughly 150 nautical miles west of the Breton coast (France). The Iberian Peninsula becomes visible on the horizon in the final 45 minutes—first the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then the Algarve region. The flight descends gradually toward Faro, crossing the Spanish-Portuguese border inland before turning toward the Algarve coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NQY
RIGHTSt Mawgan typically operates from runway 09/27. Departing eastbound (runway 09) gives right-seat passengers a view of the Cornish coast and the English Channel. Westbound departures (runway 27) would show inland moorland. The southeast departure routing toward the Bay of Biscay favors the right side.
Landing at FAO
LEFTFaro airport (runway 03/21) typically handles southbound arrivals on runway 03. Left-seat passengers descending from the north see the Ria Formosa lagoon system and the Algarve coastline. The approach path crosses the lagoon's shallow waters and barrier islands, creating a distinctive patchwork of channels and sandbanks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) to Faro (FAO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newquai to Faro. Right-seat passengers benefit from the superior takeoff view of the Cornish coast and Channel, and the landing approach over Ria Formosa is equally dramatic from either side, but the departure advantage is decisive for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Cornwall Airport Newquay in Newquai?
During takeoff from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), sit on the Right side for the best views. St Mawgan typically operates from runway 09/27. Departing eastbound (runway 09) gives right-seat passengers a view of the Cornish coast and the English Channel. Westbound departures (runway 27) would show inland moorland. The southeast departure routing toward the Bay of Biscay favors the right side. Notable sights include: Watergate Bay (immediate offshore), Trevose Head headland to the north, Bodmin Moor inland to the south, English Channel extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Faro in Faro?
When landing at Faro (FAO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Faro airport (runway 03/21) typically handles southbound arrivals on runway 03. Left-seat passengers descending from the north see the Ria Formosa lagoon system and the Algarve coastline. The approach path crosses the lagoon's shallow waters and barrier islands, creating a distinctive patchwork of channels and sandbanks. Notable sights include: Ria Formosa lagoon and barrier islands, Faro city and harbor, Olhão fishing town across the lagoon, Atlantic coastline to the south.
How long is the flight from Newquai to Faro?
The flight from Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) to Faro (FAO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 939 miles (1,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newquai to Faro flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Bay of Biscay at cruising altitude (around 25,000 feet). At midpoint, passengers will be over open ocean roughly 150 nautical miles west of the Breton coast (France). The Iberian Peninsula becomes visible on the horizon in the final 45 minutes—first the Portuguese coast near Lisbon, then the Algarve region. The flight descends gradually toward Faro, crossing the Spanish-Portuguese border inland before turning toward the Algarve coast.