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EMA → CHQ
Which side of the plane to sit from East Midlands Airport (East Midlands) to Chania International Airport (Chania)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the Alps, the Right Side is superior for the approach into Crete, providing a dramatic panorama of the Peloponnese and the rugged Lefka Ori (White Mountains) as you descend into Chania.
London Suburbs
Depending on the departure corridor, you may catch a distant view of the London skyline to the south.
Swiss and Italian Alps
Spectacular views of high-altitude peaks, including potential glimpses of the Matterhorn or Mont Blanc depending on the exact airway.
Italian Adriatic Coast
The long, sandy stretches of the Italian eastern seaboard near Venice and Rimini.
Peloponnese Peninsula
The historic southern region of Greece, featuring dramatic mountains and the Gulf of Corinth.
Lefka Ori (White Mountains)
The stunning limestone massif of western Crete, which remains snow-capped well into the spring.
Souda Bay
The deep natural harbor and naval base visible during the final banking maneuvers into CHQ.
The Right Side is essential for the iconic 'Crete arrival.' Sit here for the best views of the Lefka Ori mountains during the descent. For flights departing EMA in the morning, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses, but the reward is the golden hour glow over the Greek islands.
English Channel
Look out shortly after takeoff for the narrowest part of the channel and the French coastline appearing near Calais.
Austrian and Bavarian Alps
A breathtaking sequence of snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys across Central Europe.
Dalmatian Coast
The intricate coastline of Croatia with its thousands of islands and turquoise waters of the Adriatic.
Pindus Mountain Range
The 'spine of Greece' features deep canyons and rugged limestone peaks visible during the mid-flight descent.
Aegean Sea Islands
A scatter of Cycladic islands visible as the aircraft begins its final descent phase towards Crete.
Choose the left side for softer lighting during morning flights, avoiding direct glare while photographing the Alps. It is also excellent for spotting the mainland Greek coastline. Watch for the transition from the deep blue Adriatic to the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea.
Distance: 2,770 km (1,721 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 42 min
Departure: EMA (52.8311004639, -1.32806003094)
Arrival: CHQ (35.531700134277344, 24.14970016479492)
Route Type: International
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