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BRU β EMA
Which side of the plane to sit from Brussels Airport (Brussels) to East Midlands Airport (East Midlands)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Belgian countryside, the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel, and the sprawling Thames Estuary with a potential distant view of London.
Brussels Cityscape
Upon departure, enjoy panoramic views of the Belgian capital, including the iconic Atomium and the historic city center.
Flanders Fields
Observe the neat, geometric agricultural patterns and historic towns of the Flemish region as you head toward the coast.
English Channel
As you cross from Belgium to England, watch for the heavy maritime traffic in one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Thames Estuary
Entering UK airspace, you will see the complex waterways where the River Thames meets the North Sea, featuring massive container ports.
London Horizon
On clear days, look toward the southwest to spot the distant silhouettes of the Shard and Canary Wharf skyscrapers.
Leicester City
During the final descent, the city of Leicester and its prominent King Power Stadium are often visible to the south.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare and heat haze. If flying in the late afternoon or evening, this side will catch the warm glow of the setting sun over the UK landmass. Keep your eyes peeled immediately after crossing the coastline for the distinctive white chalk of the North Foreland.
Historic Bruges
Look down as you approach the Belgian coast to see the medieval layout and canals of Bruges, the 'Venice of the North'.
Offshore Wind Farms
The North Sea is dotted with massive wind arrays; their white turbines create a striking pattern against the blue water.
Norfolk Coastline
Depending on the specific air traffic control routing, you may see the sandy beaches and holiday resorts of East Anglia.
The Wash
A notable geographic feature, this large square-mouthed bay and estuary between Norfolk and Lincolnshire is famous for its wildlife.
Nottingham and Derby
On the final approach to EMA, the urban landscapes of Nottingham and Derby provide a clear marker of your destination.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. It provides the best perspective of the unique 'Wash' estuaryβa massive indentation in the English coastline. In winter months, look for the frost-covered fields of the East Midlands which highlight the ridge-and-furrow patterns of medieval farming.
Distance: 453 km (281 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)
Arrival: EMA (52.8311004639, -1.32806003094)
Route Type: International
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