London to Palermo flight pathLHRPMO

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Flight time3h 15m
Distance1,130
Heading139° → 149°

London to Palermo is 1,130 miles (1,818 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left

The left side wins overall because the landing approach into Palermo delivers the most dramatic single view of the flight — Monte Pellegrino and the Bay of Palermo are genuinely spectacular. The left side also picks up the Alps crossing and the Tyrrhenian coastline during cruise, making it the stronger seat for the full journey.

Takeoff · LHRRIGHTThames River bends through central London, Windsor Castle and Great Park, Canary Wharf tower cluster
Landing · PMOLEFTMonte Pellegrino limestone promontory, Bay of Palermo, Palermo historic city centre

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route tracks southeast over France, crossing the French Alps near Mont Blanc or the Maritime Alps depending on routing — both offer dramatic snow-capped ridgelines visible from altitude. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Genoa and the Ligurian Sea before tracking down the Italian peninsula or cutting directly over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward Sicily. The Strait of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily is often visible on descent, with Etna's volcanic cone on the eastern horizon if visibility is good.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (right side) — Thames River bends through central London, Windsor Castle and Great Park, Canary Wharf tower cluster, M25 orbital motorway ring

Takeoff from LHR

RIGHT

Heathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) head east over London, and the right side gives you the Thames snaking through central London, with the City and Canary Wharf visible. If departing westbound (27L/27R) and turning southeast, the right side still picks up the Thames valley and Windsor Castle area before the turn.

Thames River bends through central LondonWindsor Castle and Great ParkCanary Wharf tower clusterM25 orbital motorway ring

Landing at PMO

LEFT

Palermo's Boccadifalco airport sits just west of the city, and approaches from the northeast over the Tyrrhenian Sea bring the left side over the Bay of Palermo, the city's historic centre, and Monte Pellegrino's dramatic limestone headland jutting into the sea. The right side faces inland toward the Conca d'Oro valley and mountains.

Monte Pellegrino limestone promontoryBay of PalermoPalermo historic city centreConca d'Oro valley

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Palermo. The left side wins overall because the landing approach into Palermo delivers the most dramatic single view of the flight — Monte Pellegrino and the Bay of Palermo are genuinely spectacular. The left side also picks up the Alps crossing and the Tyrrhenian coastline during cruise, making it the stronger seat for the full journey.

What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the eastbound runways (09L/09R) head east over London, and the right side gives you the Thames snaking through central London, with the City and Canary Wharf visible. If departing westbound (27L/27R) and turning southeast, the right side still picks up the Thames valley and Windsor Castle area before the turn. Notable sights include: Thames River bends through central London, Windsor Castle and Great Park, Canary Wharf tower cluster, M25 orbital motorway ring.

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. Palermo's Boccadifalco airport sits just west of the city, and approaches from the northeast over the Tyrrhenian Sea bring the left side over the Bay of Palermo, the city's historic centre, and Monte Pellegrino's dramatic limestone headland jutting into the sea. The right side faces inland toward the Conca d'Oro valley and mountains. Notable sights include: Monte Pellegrino limestone promontory, Bay of Palermo, Palermo historic city centre, Conca d'Oro valley.

How long is the flight from London to Palermo?

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,130 miles (1,818 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Palermo flight path pass over?

The route tracks southeast over France, crossing the French Alps near Mont Blanc or the Maritime Alps depending on routing — both offer dramatic snow-capped ridgelines visible from altitude. The flight then crosses the Gulf of Genoa and the Ligurian Sea before tracking down the Italian peninsula or cutting directly over the Tyrrhenian Sea toward Sicily. The Strait of Messina between mainland Italy and Sicily is often visible on descent, with Etna's volcanic cone on the eastern horizon if visibility is good.