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STN → BIO
Which side of the plane to sit from London Stansted Airport (London) to Bilbao Airport (Bilbao)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a comprehensive view of the French interior, including the Loire Valley and Bordeaux wine regions, followed by a dramatic approach into the Basque mountains.
Search flights from STN to BIO
London & Thames
Early views of the Thames Estuary and the eastern outskirts of London during departure.
Loire Valley
Aerial views of the winding Loire River and the historic chateaux dotting the landscape.
Bordeaux Vineyards
Fly directly over the prestigious wine regions of Aquitaine before reaching the coast.
The Pyrenees
As the plane banks for the approach, the distant jagged peaks of the Pyrenees are visible to the south-east.
Basque Country Hills
The final descent offers views of the deep green, misty mountains surrounding Bilbao and the interior valley.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Look for the distinct change from the flat French plains to the rugged Basque terrain during the last 20 minutes of the flight. If the flight path takes a wide turn inland near the end, the Pyrenees become much more prominent.
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Isle of Wight
Spot the distinct diamond shape of the Isle of Wight as you cross the English Channel shortly after takeoff.
French Atlantic Coast
Follow the rugged coastline of Normandy and the Bay of Biscay throughout the mid-flight.
Gironde Estuary
The massive meeting point of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers emptying into the sea near Bordeaux.
Bay of Biscay
Expansive views of the deep blue Atlantic as the route skirts the western edge of France.
Port of Bilbao
Dramatic views of the industrial port, the Cantabrian Sea cliffs, and the Vizcaya Bridge during the final approach.
The right side is perfect for sunset flights to catch the colors reflecting over the Atlantic Ocean. During the landing phase at BIO, this side often provides the best views of the Basque coastline and the industrial architecture of the Nervión river estuary.
Book Hotels in BilbaoDistance: 983 km (611 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 38 min
Departure: STN (51.8849983215, 0.234999999404)
Arrival: BIO (43.30110168457031, -2.9106099605560303)
Route Type: International
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