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BRS destination photo
MLA destination photo

BRSMLA

Which side of the plane to sit from Bristol Airport (Bristol) to Malta International Airport (Malta)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic Italian coastline, including clear views of Mount Vesuvius and the massive silhouette of Mount Etna as you transit over Sicily.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Mendip Hills

Beautiful views of the Somerset countryside and the Cheddar Gorge area immediately after takeoff from Bristol.

🗼

Parisian Horizon

On clear days, the distant sprawl of Paris and its surrounding suburbs are visible as you head south through France.

🏔️

The Alps

Distant but majestic views of the snow-capped Western Alps along the French and Italian border region.

🌋

Mount Vesuvius

A stunning perspective of the famous volcano overlooking the Bay of Naples and the ruins of Pompeii.

🗻

Mount Etna

The flight path often passes directly east of Sicily, offering an incredible look at Europe's tallest active volcano.

🏛️

Valletta Grand Harbour

If landing from the southeast, the left side offers a classic view of the historic fortified capital of Malta.

Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A') for the best chances of seeing the Italian volcanoes. During summer morning flights, the sun will be behind you, providing excellent lighting for photography of the Alps and the Italian coast. Keep your camera ready about 30-40 minutes before landing for Mount Etna.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

English Channel

Aerial views of the southern UK coastline and the busy shipping lanes of the Channel.

🌲

Massif Central

The rugged, ancient volcanic landscape and forested plateaus of south-central France.

🏖️

Cote d'Azur

Glittering views of the Mediterranean coastline and the French Riviera near Nice and Cannes.

🏝️

Corsica & Sardinia

Detailed views of the mountainous terrain and rocky shorelines of these two major Mediterranean islands.

🔥

Stromboli

The perfectly conical volcanic island of Stromboli is often visible as you cross the Tyrrhenian Sea.

🛥️

Gozo and Comino

As the plane descends into Malta, the right side gets a perfect view of the smaller sister islands and the Blue Lagoon.

The right side (usually 'F') is best for island hopping views. It is particularly scenic during sunset flights as you'll see the sun dipping into the Mediterranean. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you'll get a much better look at the wild interior of Corsica.

Top Activities in Malta
Route Information

Distance: 2,201 km (1,368 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min

Departure: BRS (51.382702, -2.71909)

Arrival: MLA (35.857498, 14.4775)

Route Type: International

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