Loading map...
BFS β BCN
Which side of the plane to sit from Belfast International Airport (Belfast) to Barcelona International Airport (Barcelona)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning sequence of geography, starting with the Irish Sea, moving through the heart of the Pyrenees, and concluding with a panoramic view of the Barcelona skyline and Montserrat on the descent.
Irish Sea & Wales
Aerial views of the St George's Channel and the distant rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
Loire Valley
Gliding over western France, you can often spot the winding rivers and fertile plains of the Charente and Loire regions.
Central Pyrenees
A dramatic crossing of the high peaks separating France and Spain, often snow-capped even into late spring.
Montserrat Mountain
The distinct, multi-peaked serrated mountain range located just north of Barcelona is clearly visible during the initial descent.
Barcelona Cityscape
On the standard approach to BCN (Runway 24R), passengers get a perfect view of the Eixample grid and Sagrada Familia.
Camp Nou
As the plane banks for final approach, the iconic stadium and the Olympic hill of MontjuΓ―c often come into focus.
Book a window seat on the left for the best views of the Pyrenees and the city. For a morning flight, the sun will be on your side, so bring sunglasses; however, the afternoon provides the best light for photography of the Catalan coastline. Look out for the 'Saw Mountain' (Montserrat) approximately 15-20 minutes before landing.
Cornish Coastline
Depending on the specific flight corridor, you may see the dramatic cliffs of Land's End and the tip of Cornwall.
Bay of Biscay
A vast expanse of deep blue Atlantic water, frequently dotted with large cargo ships and tankers heading toward the English Channel.
Brittany Peninsula
Clear views of the jagged western French coast and the various islands scattered off the shore of Brittany.
Western Pyrenees
Views of the lower, greener slopes of the Basque mountains as the flight enters Spanish airspace.
Port of Barcelona
As the plane descends, you can see the expansive industrial port, cruise ship terminals, and the Mediterranean horizon.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. While you miss the city center view on approach, you get a great look at the Mediterranean Sea and the coastal deltas south of the city. It is generally a more 'glare-free' side for mid-day flights.
Distance: 1,606 km (998 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min
Departure: BFS (54.6575012207, -6.21582984924)
Arrival: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.