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OPO → BHX
Which side of the plane to sit from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto) to Birmingham International Airport (Birmingham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most diverse scenery, including a stunning aerial view of Porto and the Douro River immediately after takeoff, followed by the lush landscapes of Northern Spain and the iconic green hills of the English Midlands during descent.
Douro River
A perfect view of Porto's historic bridges and the Ribeira district shortly after lifting off from OPO.
Santiago de Compostela
The inland terrain of Galicia, where you may spot the famous pilgrimage destination nestled in the mountains.
Brest Naval Port
Views of the large natural harbor and military installations on the French coast of Brittany.
The Cotswolds
Quintessential English countryside with rolling limestone hills and small honey-colored stone villages.
Birmingham City Center
As the plane aligns with the runway at BHX, the skyscrapers and urban sprawl of the UK's second city appear.
The right side is unbeatable for the Porto departure; ensure your window is clear as soon as the gear retracts. During the mid-flight crossing of the English Channel, look for the white cliffs near the Isle of Wight if the flight path is slightly eastern. Morning flights offer excellent front-lit views of the English landscape.
Atlantic Coastline
Dramatic views of the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Costa de Prata as the plane climbs north.
Bay of Biscay
Expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic, where you can often spot large cargo ships and tankers.
Brittany Peninsula
The westernmost tip of France, featuring the rocky outcrops of Pointe du Raz and the Iroise Sea.
Cornish Cliffs
Initial views of the United Kingdom starting with the jagged granite coastline of Land's End.
South Wales Coast
On clear days, the Gower Peninsula and the Bristol Channel are visible before the turn toward Birmingham.
Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights, as the sun will descend over the Atlantic. This side is also better for spotting the very first landmass of the UK at Cornwall. Use a flight tracker to see if the route passes directly over the Isles of Scilly.
Distance: 1,351 km (839 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 48 min
Departure: OPO (41.2481002808, -8.68138980865)
Arrival: BHX (52.4538993835, -1.7480299472799998)
Route Type: International
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