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KOI destination photo
EOI destination photo

KOIEOI

Which side of the plane to sit from Kirkwall Airport (Kirkwall) to Eday Airport (Eday)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more dramatic view of the varied topography of the northern islands, specifically the rugged hills of Rousay and the historic ruins on Egilsay.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Kirkwall Bay

Immediate views of the bustling harbor and the northern coastline of the Orkney Mainland shortly after takeoff.

🏝️

Gairsay and Wyre

Bird's-eye views of these small, sparsely populated islands with their intricate coastlines and emerald fields.

⛪

St. Magnus Church

Look down at the island of Egilsay to spot the unique 12th-century round tower of this historic Norse pilgrimage site.

⛰️

Rousay Hills

Excellent perspective of the terraced hillsides and steep cliffs that give Rousay its distinct profile.

The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid glare while looking toward the western islands. Because the flight is exceptionally low (often below 1,000 feet), look for the circular shapes of Iron Age brochs dotting the landscape. Use a fast shutter speed on your camera as the small Britten-Norman Islander aircraft experiences more vibration than larger jets.

Right Side Highlights
8.1
🏰

Balfour Castle

A stunning view of the Scottish Baronial mansion situated on the southwest tip of Shapinsay.

🚤

Stronsay Firth

Watch the swirling tidal currents and the occasional inter-island ferry navigating the deep blue channels.

⚙️

Fall of Warness

As you approach Eday, you may see the surface turbulence marking the site of one of the world's leading tidal energy test centers.

🌾

Southern Eday Peatlands

Clear views of the rich, dark peat hags and heather-covered moors that define the southern half of Eday.

The right side is perfect for catching the late afternoon sun illuminating the white sandy beaches of Shapinsay. Keep an eye out for seals on the skerries (small rocky islands) during the low-level approach into Eday. Since the Islander aircraft has high wings, your view is completely unobstructed regardless of which row you are seated in.

Top Activities in Eday
Route Information

Distance: 27 km (17 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 min

Departure: KOI (58.957801818847656, -2.9049999713897705)

Arrival: EOI (59.19060134887695, -2.7722198963165283)

Route Type: Domestic

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