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SOF → MAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the high Alpine peaks in Austria and the dramatic landscapes of the Balkan Peninsula, concluding with a scenic approach over the English Midlands.
Vitosha Mountain
Immediately after takeoff from Sofia, enjoy a close-up view of this massive dome-shaped mountain south of the city.
Dinaric Alps
Rugged limestone peaks and deep valleys as the flight traverses the western Balkan region toward Central Europe.
Austrian Alps
Breathtaking panoramas of the Hohe Tauern range, including snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys during the mid-flight segment.
Rhine Valley
Views of the winding Rhine River and the rolling hills of western Germany, dotted with historic towns.
The English Channel
The crossing from continental Europe into the UK, often revealing busy shipping lanes below.
Peak District
During the descent into Manchester, the green ridges and moorlands of the UK's first national park are visible.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the Alps illuminated by the southern sun. For the best photography of Vitosha Mountain, be ready within the first 5 minutes of departure if taking off to the west. On the approach to Manchester (usually Runway 23R), the left side provides the best view of the city center if the aircraft loops from the north.
Balkan Mountains
The long range stretching across Bulgaria is visible to the north shortly after departure.
The Danube River
Catch glimpses of Europe's second-longest river as it snakes through the Pannonian Basin.
Bavarian Plains
The flat, organized agricultural patchwork of southern Germany, with distant views of Munich.
Port of Rotterdam
One of the world's largest ports is often visible as you transition from the Netherlands to the North Sea.
East Anglian Coast
Clear views of the UK's eastern coastline and the sprawling estuaries as you enter British airspace.
The Pennines
The 'backbone of England' provides a dramatic backdrop of hills and reservoirs during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It offers better views of the North Sea coastline and the industrial landscape of the Benelux region. If the flight path takes a more northerly route, you will have a better chance of spotting the Dutch 'polders' and the vast offshore wind farms.
Distance: 2,229 km (1,385 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 58 min
Departure: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)
Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Route Type: International
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