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MLA destination photo
BRS destination photo

MLABRS

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Italian coastline, the highest sections of the Alps, and the potential to see Mount Etna during the initial climb out of Malta.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌋

Mount Etna

Europe's most active volcano on Sicily is often visible to the east during the early stages of the flight.

🇮🇹

Italian Riviera

Stunning views of the Tuscan coastline and the Gulf of Genoa as you head toward Northern Europe.

🏔️

High Alps

Spectacular panoramic views of the central Swiss and French Alps, often including famous peaks like Mont Blanc.

🗼

Paris Outskirts

Depending on the corridor, the distant sprawl of Paris and the Eiffel Tower may be visible on clear days.

🚢

English Channel

Aerial view of the world's busiest shipping lanes filled with cargo vessels and ferries.

🌉

Severn Bridges

The iconic suspension bridges connecting England and Wales are frequently visible on the final approach to BRS.

Morning flights provide the best illumination for the Alps and the Italian coast without the glare of the sun. Look out early after takeoff to see Gozo and Comino. On the final approach into Bristol, the right side typically offers views of the Mendip Hills and the city of Bristol itself if landing on Runway 27.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏝️

Maltese Cliffs

Dramatic limestone cliffs along the southern and western coasts of Malta immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Tyrrhenian Sea

Expansive views of the deep blue Mediterranean, occasionally passing near the islands of Sardinia and Corsica.

🏔️

Western Alps

The snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, including the Ecrins National Park massif.

🏰

Loire Valley

The 'Garden of France' featuring winding rivers and glimpses of historic chateaus in central France.

🏖️

Normandy Coast

The rugged shoreline of northern France and the historic beaches leading into the English Channel.

⚓

Bristol Channel

The wide tidal estuary and the Somerset coastline as the plane descends into Bristol.

Sit on the left for the best sunset views on evening flights as the sun dips over the Atlantic. During the descent, keep a lookout for the steep cliffs of the Exmoor coastline. Choosing a seat forward of the wing is recommended to avoid engine heat haze distorting the Alpine views.

Top Activities in Bristol
Route Information

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

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min

Departure: MLA (35.857498, 14.4775)

Arrival: BRS (51.382702, -2.71909)

Route Type: International

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