The left side wins overall because the Paris approach view is exceptional and sustained — you track the Seine and central Paris for several minutes on descent. The Malta takeoff on the right is spectacular but brief. Switching to left after takeoff also keeps the Italian coastline and the Alps in view during the cruise portion of the flight.
Flown MLA to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Malta to Paris is 1,092 miles (1,757 km), a flight of about 2 hours 40 minutes.
The route tracks north-northwest over the central Mediterranean, crossing the Italian coastline near Sicily or Sardinia depending on routing, then over the Italian peninsula or Ligurian Sea, the French Alps or Rhône Valley corridor, and finally the Burgundy and Île-de-France plains before Paris. The Alps are the most dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad white-capped range on the horizon from either side depending on exact routing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTMalta's runways at Luqa typically favor departures toward the north or northwest. On a northbound departure, the right side gives you the best view back over Valletta's Grand Harbour, the fortified city, and the open Mediterranean stretching south. The left side faces inland toward the less scenic center of the island.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically uses runways oriented roughly east-west, with arrivals often from the west or northwest. On approach from the south, the left side gives a clear view over central Paris — you can see the Seine snaking through the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid before touchdown. The right side faces away toward the less distinctive northern suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luqa (MLA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to Paris. The left side wins overall because the Paris approach view is exceptional and sustained — you track the Seine and central Paris for several minutes on descent. The Malta takeoff on the right is spectacular but brief. Switching to left after takeoff also keeps the Italian coastline and the Alps in view during the cruise portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Luqa in Malta?
During takeoff from Luqa (MLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Malta's runways at Luqa typically favor departures toward the north or northwest. On a northbound departure, the right side gives you the best view back over Valletta's Grand Harbour, the fortified city, and the open Mediterranean stretching south. The left side faces inland toward the less scenic center of the island. Notable sights include: Grand Harbour and Valletta fortifications, Marsaxlokk Bay to the southeast, Gozo and Comino islands to the northwest, the Maltese coastline cliffs.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways oriented roughly east-west, with arrivals often from the west or northwest. On approach from the south, the left side gives a clear view over central Paris — you can see the Seine snaking through the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann grid before touchdown. The right side faces away toward the less distinctive northern suburbs. Notable sights include: The Seine river bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, La Défense business district tower cluster, Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
How long is the flight from Malta to Paris?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,092 miles (1,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Malta to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks north-northwest over the central Mediterranean, crossing the Italian coastline near Sicily or Sardinia depending on routing, then over the Italian peninsula or Ligurian Sea, the French Alps or Rhône Valley corridor, and finally the Burgundy and Île-de-France plains before Paris. The Alps are the most dramatic midpoint feature, visible as a broad white-capped range on the horizon from either side depending on exact routing.