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BRU destination photo
BIO destination photo

BRUBIO

Which side of the plane to sit from Brussels Airport (Brussels) to Bilbao Airport (Bilbao)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior perspective of the French Atlantic coastline, the Bay of Biscay, and the breathtaking approach into Bilbao over the Basque cliffs.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏖️

Île de Ré & Oléron

Perfect views of the white sandy beaches and salt marshes of the islands off the coast of La Rochelle.

💧

Loire Estuary

The massive mouth of the Loire River where it meets the Atlantic near Saint-Nazaire.

🌊

Bay of Biscay

The deep blue expanse of the Gulf of Gascony, often featuring dramatic cloud formations or merchant ships.

⚓

Abra Bay

The industrial and scenic entrance to the Port of Bilbao and the Nervión estuary.

⛰️

Cantabrian Coast

Stunning vertical cliffs and hidden coves that define the northern Spanish shoreline.

The right side is essential for the scenic 'circling' approach often used at Bilbao Airport. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for photography of the French islands. Look for the distinct bridge connecting Île de Ré to the mainland about 45-50 minutes into the flight.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏰

Brussels Skyline

Aerial view of the Grand Place and the Atomium shortly after departure from Zaventem.

🗼

Parisian Outskirts

Distal views of the eastern sprawl of Paris and the Seine river winding through the landscape.

🍷

Bordeaux Wine Region

Stretches of world-famous vineyards and the Garonne river as the flight heads south.

🏔️

Pyrenees Horizon

On very clear days, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees are visible on the far southern horizon.

🌳

Urkiola Natural Park

Rugged limestone mountains and dense beech forests during the final descent into the Basque Country.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is ideal for spotting the deep green valleys of the interior Basque region during the final approach. Keep an eye out for the city of Limoges mid-flight.

Top Activities in Bilbao
Route Information

Distance: 1,013 km (629 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min

Departure: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)

Arrival: BIO (43.30110168457031, -2.9106099605560303)

Route Type: International

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