The right side benefits from Malta's dramatic coastal takeoff view and, more importantly, the cruise phase along the Adriatic corridor, where the Dalmatian coastline, its islands, and the Dinaric Alps come into view — scenery the left side (mostly open sea and flatter Italian coast) can't match.
Flown MLA to BUD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Malta to Budapest is 837 miles (1,347 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Ionian Sea, Gulf of Taranto, Adriatic Sea, Dalmatian coast and islands of Croatia, Dinaric Alps along the Croatia-Bosnia border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTDeparting on runway 31, the aircraft climbs northwest across Malta before banking right to head toward Hungary, putting the island's limestone coastline, the Dingli Cliffs, and Valletta's Grand Harbour into view on the right side during the turn. The left side mostly shows open sea during this maneuver.
Landing at BUD
LEFTOn approach to runway 31 from the southeast, the flight path curves near the Danube before final descent, giving left-side passengers a view over Budapest's Buda Hills, the Danube bends, and the city skyline including Castle Hill. The right side faces the flatter Hungarian countryside with fewer landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luqa (MLA) to Ferihegy (BUD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to Budapest. The right side benefits from Malta's dramatic coastal takeoff view and, more importantly, the cruise phase along the Adriatic corridor, where the Dalmatian coastline, its islands, and the Dinaric Alps come into view — scenery the left side (mostly open sea and flatter Italian coast) can't match.
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, the aircraft climbs northwest across Malta before banking right to head toward Hungary, putting the island's limestone coastline, the Dingli Cliffs, and Valletta's Grand Harbour into view on the right side during the turn. The left side mostly shows open sea during this maneuver. Notable sights include: Dingli Cliffs, Valletta and Grand Harbour, Gozo island in the distance, Mediterranean coastline of southern Malta.
What can I see when landing at Ferihegy in Budapest?
When landing at Ferihegy (BUD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to runway 31 from the southeast, the flight path curves near the Danube before final descent, giving left-side passengers a view over Budapest's Buda Hills, the Danube bends, and the city skyline including Castle Hill. The right side faces the flatter Hungarian countryside with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Danube River bends, Buda Castle Hill, Budapest city skyline, Great Hungarian Plain in the distance.
How long is the flight from Malta to Budapest?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Ferihegy (BUD) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 837 miles (1,347 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Malta to Budapest flight path pass over?
Ionian Sea, Gulf of Taranto, Adriatic Sea, Dalmatian coast and islands of Croatia, Dinaric Alps along the Croatia-Bosnia border