Left seats capture the Alps during departure and the Thermaic Gulf plus Mount Olympus during arrival. Right seats offer only the initial Alpine climb-out; left seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight path and the most iconic landmark (Olympus).
Flown ZRH to SKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Thessaloniki is 860 miles (1,385 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alps (Säntis, Glarus, Uri Alps visible during climb to cruise), then transitions over the Jura Mountains and into the Rhône Valley. Cruising altitude passes south of the Massif Central in France, then over the Mediterranean between Corsica and mainland Italy. The route crosses the Ionian Sea and enters Greek airspace over the Pindus Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left during descent). The Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus become prominent 30 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTZurich typically departs runway 28 (westbound) or 34 (northbound). Right seats offer the best view of the Alps immediately south and east of the airport during climb-out, with the Säntis and Appenzell Alps dominating the right side of the aircraft.
Landing at SKG
LEFTThessaloniki typically lands runway 11 (northeastbound approach) or 29 (southwestbound). Left seats provide superior views during descent of the Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus (visible 50+ miles away on clear days), and the Thessalian plains to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Makedonia (SKG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Thessaloniki. Left seats capture the Alps during departure and the Thermaic Gulf plus Mount Olympus during arrival. Right seats offer only the initial Alpine climb-out; left seats provide superior views for the majority of the flight path and the most iconic landmark (Olympus).
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Zurich typically departs runway 28 (westbound) or 34 (northbound). Right seats offer the best view of the Alps immediately south and east of the airport during climb-out, with the Säntis and Appenzell Alps dominating the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Säntis (8,200 ft), Appenzell Alps, Lake Zurich (Zürichsee), Glarus Alps to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
When landing at Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Thessaloniki typically lands runway 11 (northeastbound approach) or 29 (southwestbound). Left seats provide superior views during descent of the Thermaic Gulf, Mount Olympus (visible 50+ miles away on clear days), and the Thessalian plains to the west. Notable sights include: Mount Olympus (9,573 ft, visible on horizon), Thermaic Gulf (Thermaikos Kolpos), Pieria Mountains, Thessalian plains.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Thessaloniki?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Makedonia (SKG) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 860 miles (1,385 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Thessaloniki flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (Säntis, Glarus, Uri Alps visible during climb to cruise), then transitions over the Jura Mountains and into the Rhône Valley. Cruising altitude passes south of the Massif Central in France, then over the Mediterranean between Corsica and mainland Italy. The route crosses the Ionian Sea and enters Greek airspace over the Pindus Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left during descent). The Thermaic Gulf and Mount Olympus become prominent 30 minutes before landing.