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CMB → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of coastal departures from Sri Lanka, potential views of the Indian Western Ghats, and the iconic approach into Rome featuring the Nile Delta and the Italian mainland.
Colombo Shoreline
A stunning aerial perspective of the Laccadive Sea meeting the Sri Lankan capital immediately after takeoff.
Western Ghats
Lush green mountain ranges visible if the flight path tracks along the southwestern coast of India.
Suez Canal & Nile Delta
The dramatic contrast between the arid desert and the fertile green basin of the Nile in Egypt.
Mount Etna
Europe's most active volcano can often be spotted in the distance when crossing the Mediterranean near Sicily.
The Eternal City
Clear views of Rome's historic center and the Vatican during the descent if the flight approaches from the south.
Sit on the right side for the best variety of landmarks. For the Nile Delta, look out about 3-4 hours before landing. On the final descent into FCO, if the aircraft lands towards the north, you may catch a glimpse of St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum in the distance.
Arabian Sea Expanse
Infinite deep blue waters as the flight crosses from the Indian subcontinent toward the Middle East.
Rub' al Khali
The 'Empty Quarter' provides mesmerizing patterns of orange sand dunes across the Arabian Peninsula.
Crete & Greek Isles
Beautiful views of the rugged coastlines and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean islands.
Tyrrhenian Coast
The scenic Italian coastline leading up to the Fiumicino area during the final approach.
The left side is ideal for late-afternoon departures to minimize direct sun glare while flying westward. It offers the best perspective of the vast desert landscapes of Oman and Saudi Arabia mid-flight, and the scattered white architecture of Greek coastal villages later on.
Distance: 7,630 km (4,741 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 59 min
Departure: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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