The left side delivers a continuous string of landmarks—Rome's coastal plain and hills at departure, the Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius and Capri during cruise, and Sicily's coastal mountains on arrival—while the right side faces largely open, featureless sea for the entire flight.
Flown FCO to PMO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rome to Palermo is 255 miles (410 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
Flight path passes over the Tyrrhenian Sea near the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri visible inland to the left, followed by the Aeolian Islands (including Stromboli's volcanic cone) further south before the descent into Sicily.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FCO
LEFTDeparting FCO to the south on runway 16, the aircraft climbs along the coast with Rome's skyline and the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani) visible to the left, while the right side shows mostly open Tyrrhenian Sea near the coastal marshes of Fiumicino.
Landing at PMO
LEFTOn final approach into PMO runway 25, the aircraft comes in low over the sea with the mountains south of Palermo—Monte Pellegrino and the Monti di Trabia range—visible on the left side of the cabin just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fiumicino (FCO) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to Palermo. The left side delivers a continuous string of landmarks—Rome's coastal plain and hills at departure, the Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius and Capri during cruise, and Sicily's coastal mountains on arrival—while the right side faces largely open, featureless sea for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Fiumicino in Rome?
During takeoff from Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing FCO to the south on runway 16, the aircraft climbs along the coast with Rome's skyline and the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani) visible to the left, while the right side shows mostly open Tyrrhenian Sea near the coastal marshes of Fiumicino. Notable sights include: Rome skyline, Alban Hills, Tiber river mouth, Fiumicino coastline.
What can I see when landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
When landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into PMO runway 25, the aircraft comes in low over the sea with the mountains south of Palermo—Monte Pellegrino and the Monti di Trabia range—visible on the left side of the cabin just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Monte Pellegrino, Gulf of Palermo, Monti di Trabia range, Palermo coastline.
How long is the flight from Rome to Palermo?
The flight from Fiumicino (FCO) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 255 miles (410 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rome to Palermo flight path pass over?
Flight path passes over the Tyrrhenian Sea near the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri visible inland to the left, followed by the Aeolian Islands (including Stromboli's volcanic cone) further south before the descent into Sicily.