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GLA → KOI
Which side of the plane to sit from Glasgow International Airport (Glasgow) to Kirkwall Airport (Kirkwall)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an unparalleled sequence of Scotland's most iconic landscapes, from the islands of Loch Lomond to the dramatic sea stacks of Orkney.
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Loch Lomond
Perfect views of the 'Queen of Scottish Lochs' and its scattered islands shortly after takeoff.
Ben Nevis
The UK's highest peak is often visible to the northwest as you cross the Highland Boundary Fault.
Glencoe
Dramatic aerial perspectives of the deep glacial valley and the rugged Three Sisters peaks.
Pentland Firth
The turbulent stretch of water between the mainland and Orkney, famous for its powerful tidal races.
Old Man of Hoy
The legendary 449-foot red sandstone sea stack is a spectacular highlight during the descent into Kirkwall.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Old Man of Hoy sea stack as you approach the islands. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the green cliffs of Hoy and the white foam of the Atlantic. Keep your camera ready about 10 minutes before landing.
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Glasgow Skyline
A sweeping view of the River Clyde, the SEC Armadillo, and the city's grid-iron layout.
Stirling Castle
The historic fortress perched on Castle Hill, visible along with the Wallace Monument.
Cairngorms National Park
The vast, snow-dusted plateau and high summits of the eastern Highlands.
Moray Firth
The wide inlet known for its dolphin population and the rugged coastline of the Black Isle.
Duncansby Stacks
Sharp, jagged sea stacks at the very northeastern tip of the Scottish mainland near John o' Groats.
The right side is superior for seeing the urban sprawl of central Scotland and the remote, flat landscape of Caithness. In the winter, this side offers the best views of the sunrise over the North Sea on early morning departures. It also provides a better view of Kirkwall town itself upon the final approach to the runway.
Book Hotels in KirkwallDistance: 355 km (221 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 36 min
Departure: GLA (55.8718986511, -4.43306016922)
Arrival: KOI (58.957801818847656, -2.9049999713897705)
Route Type: Domestic
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