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SYY destination photo
ABZ destination photo

SYYABZ

Which side of the plane to sit from Stornoway Airport (Stornoway) to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (Aberdeen)?

Our Recommendation
8.9

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular traverse over the heart of the Scottish Highlands, featuring the dramatic peaks of the Cairngorms and the lush valleys of Royal Deeside as you approach the east coast.

Right Side Highlights
8.9
🏔️

Lewis Interior

The unique 'cnoc-and-lochan' landscape of the Isle of Lewis, characterized by thousands of small peatland lochs.

⛰️

Torridon Mountains

Some of the oldest and most dramatic rock formations in the UK, visible as you cross into the mainland Highlands.

🐉

The Great Glen

Distances views of the massive geological fault line that contains Loch Ness, visible to the south during the mid-flight phase.

❄️

Cairngorm Plateau

Aerial views of the UK's highest mountain range, featuring expansive arctic-alpine plateaus and deep glacial corries.

🌲

Royal Deeside

The heavily forested valley of the River Dee, including the estates surrounding Balmoral Castle.

🏙️

Aberdeen Skyline

A full view of the 'Granite City' and its industrial harbor during the descent into Dyce Airport.

For the most dramatic mountain scenery, choose the right side. You will fly almost directly over the Cairngorm National Park. In winter, the snow cover on these peaks is world-class. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting as the sun illuminates the western faces of the peaks.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🌊

Broad Bay

Immediate views of the Eye Peninsula and the sandy stretches of Tolsta beach shortly after takeoff from Stornoway.

⛴️

The Minch

The deep sea channel between the Outer Hebrides and the mainland, often dotted with ferry traffic and fishing vessels.

🏖️

Wester Ross Coastline

The rugged northern coastline of the mainland, including views toward the Summer Isles and the Ullapool area.

⛰️

Ben Wyvis

A massive, isolated Munro that dominates the landscape north of Inverness and the Moray Firth.

🐚

Moray Coastline

The golden sands of the Moray coast, including the expansive beaches of Nairn and the Findhorn bay.

The left side is best for coastal geography and spotting the massive oil rigs frequently docked for maintenance in the Cromarty Firth. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the glare of the southern sun while viewing the northern Highlands.

Top Activities in Aberdeen
Route Information

Distance: 270 km (168 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 27 min

Departure: SYY (58.215599060058594, -6.3311100006103525)

Arrival: ABZ (57.20190048217773, -2.1977798938751216)

Route Type: Domestic

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