The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a coastal glimpse at takeoff, the western Alps and French Riviera during cruise, Corsica and Sardinia passing below, and a Valletta harbor view on arrival. The left side spends more time over featureless French farmland and open sea with fewer standout landmarks.
Flown LGW to MLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Malta is 1,283 miles (2,065 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Western Alps near the French-Italian border, the Rhone valley, the Mediterranean Sea, and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia along the route toward Sicily and Malta
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTDeparting LGW toward the south, the right side gives passengers a look over the rolling South Downs and the Sussex coastline near Brighton and Worthing before the aircraft crosses the Channel. The left side mostly shows the flat Weald countryside with little visual interest.
Landing at MLA
RIGHTOn approach into Luqa from the southeast, the right side faces northeast toward Valletta, giving a clear view of the Grand Harbour, its bastioned fortifications, and the honey-colored old city before touchdown. The left side mainly shows open sea and Malta's less distinctive southwestern coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Luqa (MLA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Malta. The right side offers the more consistently scenic experience: a coastal glimpse at takeoff, the western Alps and French Riviera during cruise, Corsica and Sardinia passing below, and a Valletta harbor view on arrival. The left side spends more time over featureless French farmland and open sea with fewer standout landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LGW toward the south, the right side gives passengers a look over the rolling South Downs and the Sussex coastline near Brighton and Worthing before the aircraft crosses the Channel. The left side mostly shows the flat Weald countryside with little visual interest. Notable sights include: South Downs hills, Brighton/Worthing coastline, English Channel, distant Isle of Wight silhouette.
What can I see when landing at Luqa in Malta?
When landing at Luqa (MLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Luqa from the southeast, the right side faces northeast toward Valletta, giving a clear view of the Grand Harbour, its bastioned fortifications, and the honey-colored old city before touchdown. The left side mainly shows open sea and Malta's less distinctive southwestern coast. Notable sights include: Valletta's Grand Harbour and bastions, Malta's turquoise coastline, Comino and Gozo islands in the distance, Sicilian coast fading on the horizon.
How long is the flight from London to Malta?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Luqa (MLA) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,283 miles (2,065 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Malta flight path pass over?
Western Alps near the French-Italian border, the Rhone valley, the Mediterranean Sea, and the islands of Corsica and Sardinia along the route toward Sicily and Malta