Left-side seats win overall because the landing view of Malta's harbors and archipelago is more visually distinctive and geographically informative than the takeoff view. The approach to Malta offers clearer landmark identification and stronger visual contrast.
Flown BLQ to MLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bologna to Malta is 624 miles (1,004 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the central Mediterranean at cruise altitude (around 31,000 feet). You'll pass over open sea with no major landmarks visible at altitude. The Adriatic coast of Italy recedes northward, and the Tyrrhenian Sea dominates the midpoint. On very clear days, Sicily's northern coast may be faintly visible to the west around the halfway point, but it remains distant and low on the horizon. The flight path is primarily over featureless deep blue water.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BLQ
RIGHTBologna typically departs runway 12 (northeast) or 30 (southwest). Right-side seats offer the best views regardless of direction—you'll see the Po River valley stretching northeast, or the Apennine foothills to the southwest. The right side also captures the city of Bologna itself during initial climb.
Landing at MLA
LEFTMalta's runway 31 (northeast approach) or runway 13 (southwest approach) both favor left-side views. On approach, left seats capture the Maltese archipelago's distinctive geography—the main island of Malta with its harbors, Valletta's fortifications, and Gozo island to the northwest. The Mediterranean's deep blue water provides strong contrast.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bologna (BLQ) to Luqa (MLA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bologna to Malta. Left-side seats win overall because the landing view of Malta's harbors and archipelago is more visually distinctive and geographically informative than the takeoff view. The approach to Malta offers clearer landmark identification and stronger visual contrast.
What can I see during takeoff from Bologna in Bologna?
During takeoff from Bologna (BLQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bologna typically departs runway 12 (northeast) or 30 (southwest). Right-side seats offer the best views regardless of direction—you'll see the Po River valley stretching northeast, or the Apennine foothills to the southwest. The right side also captures the city of Bologna itself during initial climb. Notable sights include: Po River valley (broad, meandering watercourse to the north), Apennine Mountains (southern horizon, running east-west), Bologna city center (directly below during climb), Emilia-Romagna plains (flat agricultural grid visible immediately after takeoff).
What can I see when landing at Luqa in Malta?
When landing at Luqa (MLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Malta's runway 31 (northeast approach) or runway 13 (southwest approach) both favor left-side views. On approach, left seats capture the Maltese archipelago's distinctive geography—the main island of Malta with its harbors, Valletta's fortifications, and Gozo island to the northwest. The Mediterranean's deep blue water provides strong contrast. Notable sights include: Grand Harbour (Valletta's iconic natural harbor, deeply indented on Malta's northeast coast), Valletta (fortified capital city on a peninsula), Gozo island (larger island visible to the northwest), Mediterranean Sea (surrounding deep blue water).
How long is the flight from Bologna to Malta?
The flight from Bologna (BLQ) to Luqa (MLA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 624 miles (1,004 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bologna to Malta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the central Mediterranean at cruise altitude (around 31,000 feet). You'll pass over open sea with no major landmarks visible at altitude. The Adriatic coast of Italy recedes northward, and the Tyrrhenian Sea dominates the midpoint. On very clear days, Sicily's northern coast may be faintly visible to the west around the halfway point, but it remains distant and low on the horizon. The flight path is primarily over featureless deep blue water.