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CTA β BUD
Which side of the plane to sit from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Catania) to Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport (Budapest)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unrivaled panorama of the Straits of Messina upon departure, followed by the breathtaking turquoise waters and white limestone islands of the Croatian Dalmatian Coast.
Straits of Messina
The narrow passage between Sicily and Calabria, offering views of the 'Toe' of Italy.
Dalmatian Archipelago
The stunning network of thousands of Croatian islands including Hvar and BraΔ.
Dinaric Alps
Dramatic limestone peaks and karst plateaus stretching across the Balkan Peninsula.
Bari Port
The bustling coastal city of Bari on the Adriatic coast is often visible during the transition.
Danube River
The iconic river snaking through the landscape as you enter Hungarian airspace.
The right side is the star of this route, especially for the aerial views of the Croatian coastline. Sit forward of the wing to clearly see the Straits of Messina. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for the Adriatic islands, as the sun will be behind you.
Mount Etna
Dominating the Sicilian skyline shortly after takeoff, visible as the plane climbs north.
Ionian Sea
A vast expanse of deep blue water separating Sicily from the Italian mainland.
Italian Apennines
The rugged spine of Italy featuring deep valleys and historic mountain villages.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake, appearing as a massive turquoise jewel in western Hungary.
Choose the left side for an early view of Etna's smoking crater. For morning flights, this side remains shaded, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Keep an eye out for the Hungarian Puszta region as you approach Budapest.
Distance: 1,160 km (721 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: CTA (37.466801, 15.0664)
Arrival: BUD (47.429759999999995, 19.261093)
Route Type: International
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