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OTP → CTA
Which side of the plane to sit from Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest) to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Catania)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Strait of Messina and a spectacular close-up of Mount Etna's smoking craters during the descent into Catania.
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Danube River
The natural border between Romania and Bulgaria, visible shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Pindus Mountains
Dramatic, rugged limestone peaks crossing through Albania and Northern Greece.
Strait of Messina
The narrow water passage separating mainland Italy from the island of Sicily.
Mount Etna
The highlight of the trip; a massive, often smoking volcano visible during the descent.
Taormina Coastline
The picturesque resort town of Taormina perched on the cliffs of the Sicilian east coast.
The right side is highly recommended for the iconic view of Mount Etna. For the best photography, choose a seat ahead of or well behind the wing to avoid engine heat haze. The descent usually follows the coastline from the North, providing clear views of the Strait of Messina and Calabria before the final turn toward Catania-Fontanarossa.
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Bucharest Southern Suburbs
Views of the Romanian capital's expansion immediately after takeoff from OTP.
Rhodope Mountains
Lush green peaks and deep valleys as the plane traverses southern Bulgaria.
Ionian Sea
Vast stretches of azure water as you cross from the Balkans toward the tip of Italy.
Sicilian Sunrise
A beautiful perspective of the sun reflecting off the water during early morning flights.
Sit on the left if you prefer a cooler cabin during morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side. It offers great views of the Bulgarian mountains and the vastness of the Ionian Sea, which is particularly striking on clear summer days when the water is calm and exceptionally blue.
Get eSIMs for Romania
Get eSIMs for ItalyDistance: 1,214 km (754 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: OTP (44.5711111, 26.085)
Arrival: CTA (37.466801, 15.0664)
Route Type: International
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