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FCO → CMB
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the dramatic Taurus and Zagros mountain ranges, alongside the stunning island-dotted Aegean Sea during the initial phases of the flight.
Search flights from FCO to CMB
Central Apennines
View the rugged spine of Italy as you climb out of Rome, featuring limestone peaks and national parks.
Aegean Islands
A spectacular bird's-eye view of the Greek Cyclades and the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
Taurus Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of southern Turkey provide a dramatic landscape for several hundred miles.
Zagros Folds
Incredible geological formations and folded mountain ridges visible while transiting through Iranian airspace.
Iranian Plateau
High-altitude desert basins and ancient salt flats that glow with unique colors during the golden hour.
Northern Sri Lanka
The lush, green interior of the island comes into view during the descent into Colombo.
Select a seat in front of the wing to avoid engine glare and heat haze when photographing the Zagros Mountains. Since many FCO-CMB flights are overnight, the left side is ideal for catching the sunrise as you approach the Indian subcontinent.
Get eSIMs for Italy
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Tyrrhenian Sea
Beautiful views of the Italian coastline and the Mediterranean horizon immediately after takeoff.
Isle of Crete
The southern coastline of Greece's largest island, featuring steep cliffs and hidden coves.
Persian Gulf Hubs
Distant views of the brightly lit skylines of Dubai or Abu Dhabi depending on the specific airway taken.
Omani Coastline
The rugged, arid mountains of the Musandam Peninsula meeting the turquoise waters of the Gulf.
Arabian Sea
Spot large cargo vessels and tankers traversing the busy shipping lanes toward the Indian Ocean.
Negombo Lagoon
Final approach views of the palm-fringed western coast of Sri Lanka and the sprawling lagoon near the airport.
The right side is best for night-time observers who enjoy seeing the 'carpet of lights' from major Gulf cities. On the final approach into CMB, the right side usually offers the best view of the tropical shoreline and the Laccadive Sea.
Book Hotels in ColomboDistance: 7,630 km (4,741 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 59 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Route Type: International
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