Loading map...

FAO destination photo
BHD destination photo

FAOBHD

Which side of the plane to sit from Faro Airport (Faro) to George Best Belfast City Airport (Belfast)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior mix of inland Portuguese mountains, the stunning English and Welsh coastlines, and a scenic final approach over the Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough into Belfast City.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏞️

Alentejo Interior

Rolling plains and cork oak forests of southern Portugal, transitioning into rugged hilly terrain.

🏔️

Serra da Estrela

Views of the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, often snow-capped in winter months.

🏝️

Cornish Coast

The rugged western tip of England, including Land's End and the turquoise waters of St. Ives Bay.

⛰️

Snowdonia National Park

The dramatic peaks of North Wales, including Snowdon, visible as the flight path heads north toward the Irish Sea.

🏰

Strangford Lough

A stunning final approach over the islands of the lough and the historic Scrabo Tower on the descent into BHD.

This is the preferred side for the arrival. If the wind is from the east, you will fly directly over Belfast Lough and the Harland & Wolff cranes. In winter, look for snow on the Welsh peaks. Sit behind the wing for unobstructed views of the intricate geography of Strangford Lough.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏖️

Algarve Shoreline

Dramatic views of the limestone cliffs and golden beaches of southern Portugal immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Lisbon Coast

Aerial perspective of the Tagus Estuary and the Atlantic-facing beaches of Cascais and Sintra.

⚓

Galician Rias

The deep, finger-like inlets of the Spanish northwest coast as the plane crosses the Bay of Biscay.

🚢

Bay of Biscay

A vast expanse of deep blue water often featuring large container ships and tankers on global shipping lanes.

☘️

Wicklow Mountains

On clear days, the Irish coastline and the rolling green hills of County Wicklow are visible to the west.

Choose this side if you are flying in the late afternoon to witness a sunset over the Atlantic. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for the best views of the Alentejo coastline and Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

Top Activities in Belfast
Route Information

Distance: 1,964 km (1,220 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min

Departure: FAO (37.0144004822, -7.965909957889999)

Arrival: BHD (54.61809921264648, -5.872499942779541)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.