The right side wins on both ends and through the middle: Valletta's harbor at takeoff, the Apennines, Adriatic coastline, and Alpine peaks during cruise, and Amsterdam's skyline and IJsselmeer on the approach. The left side spends most of the flight over open Mediterranean and French coastal water with fewer identifiable landmarks.
Flight Path
The route crosses northern Italy and the Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, passing close to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como before the terrain gives way to the flat farmland of the Po Valley and southern Germany.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTDeparting on runway 31 (heading 312°), the aircraft climbs out over Malta's northeast coast. Passengers on the right see Valletta's fortified Grand Harbour, Sliema, and St. Julian's before the island falls away into the blue Mediterranean, while the left side shows the flatter, less distinctive southwestern plateau.
Landing at AMS
RIGHTOn approach into Schiphol from the south/east, arrivals often cross the IJsselmeer before turning onto final for the 18-side runways, giving right-side passengers a view of Amsterdam's skyline and waterways before the plane settles over the flat green Haarlemmermeer polder. The left side mostly shows repetitive farmland with fewer landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luqa (MLA) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to Amsterdam. The right side wins on both ends and through the middle: Valletta's harbor at takeoff, the Apennines, Adriatic coastline, and Alpine peaks during cruise, and Amsterdam's skyline and IJsselmeer on the approach. The left side spends most of the flight over open Mediterranean and French coastal water with fewer identifiable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Luqa in Malta?
During takeoff from Luqa (MLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 31 (heading 312°), the aircraft climbs out over Malta's northeast coast. Passengers on the right see Valletta's fortified Grand Harbour, Sliema, and St. Julian's before the island falls away into the blue Mediterranean, while the left side shows the flatter, less distinctive southwestern plateau. Notable sights include: Valletta and the Grand Harbour, Sliema/St. Julian's coastline, Marsamxett Harbour, the open Mediterranean toward Sicily.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Schiphol from the south/east, arrivals often cross the IJsselmeer before turning onto final for the 18-side runways, giving right-side passengers a view of Amsterdam's skyline and waterways before the plane settles over the flat green Haarlemmermeer polder. The left side mostly shows repetitive farmland with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer, Amsterdam skyline and canal ring, Zaandam, Haarlemmermeer polder patchwork.
How long is the flight from Malta to Amsterdam?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Schiphol (AMS) takes 2h 55m.
What does the Malta to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The route crosses northern Italy and the Alps near the Swiss-Italian border, passing close to Lake Maggiore and Lake Como before the terrain gives way to the flat farmland of the Po Valley and southern Germany.