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INV destination photo
LSI destination photo

INVLSI

Which side of the plane to sit from Inverness Airport (Inverness) to Sumburgh Airport (Sumburgh)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic cliffs of Hoy in the Orkney archipelago and the rugged, indented coastline of the Scottish Highlands.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏞️

Black Isle & Sutherland

Aerial views of the Chanonry Point and the rolling hills of the northern Highlands immediately after takeoff.

🏰

Dunrobin Castle

On clear days, look for this fairytale-style castle nestled on the Sutherland coast.

🪨

Old Man of Hoy

The legendary 449-foot sea stack and the towering red sandstone cliffs of Hoy are the route's visual climax.

🚢

Scapa Flow

The historic naval anchorage in the heart of the Orkney Islands, often visible as you pass over the archipelago.

🏔️

Fitful Head

Dramatic 900-foot cliffs on the southern tip of Mainland Shetland during the descent into Sumburgh.

Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Old Man of Hoy sea stack. As Loganair often operates ATR or Saab turboprops on this route, try to book a seat behind the wing to avoid the engine obstructing your view. Morning flights are best as the sun illuminates the west-facing cliffs of Orkney.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Moray Firth

Wide vistas of the North Sea where it meets the firth, often showcasing deep turquoise water patterns.

🗼

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

A distinct red-and-white striped lighthouse marking the tip of the peninsula in Easter Ross.

🏛️

Kirkwall & North Isles

Views of the Orkney capital and the flatter, fertile islands of the eastern archipelago.

🏝️

Fair Isle

The remote island halfway between Orkney and Shetland, famous for its knitwear and bird observatory.

🐦

Sumburgh Head

The iconic lighthouse and RSPB bird cliffs are clearly visible on the final approach into LSI.

The right side is superior for spotting the eastern Orkney islands and the approach over the Sumburgh Head lighthouse. On final approach to Runway 33, look for the 'Jarlshof' archaeological site and the unique road crossing the runway at the airport perimeter.

Top Activities in Sumburgh
Route Information

Distance: 304 km (189 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 30 min

Departure: INV (57.54249954223633, -4.047500133514403)

Arrival: LSI (59.87889862060547, -1.295560002326965)

Route Type: Domestic

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