The right side wins because the flight path from Malta to Edinburgh runs roughly north-northwest, keeping the French and Swiss Alps, the Sicilian coast, and the Firth of Forth on the right side during the key viewing phases, while the left side faces mostly open Atlantic-adjacent terrain and Bay of Biscay approaches with fewer distinct landmarks.
Flight Path
Tyrrhenian Sea, Corsica and Sardinia's mountainous coastlines, the French Alps near the Franco-Italian border, and the Rhône valley before crossing central France toward the English Channel
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTDeparting MLA on runway 31, the climb-out curls north over Malta's coastline, giving right-side passengers a good look at Valletta's harbor and the Sicilian coastline as the aircraft turns toward the mainland. The left side mostly shows open Mediterranean water at this point.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTOn approach to EDI's runway 24, aircraft typically descend from the northeast over the Firth of Forth, putting Edinburgh's skyline, the Forth bridges, and the coastline on the right side before the final turn to land. The left side during this phase mostly shows the Pentland Hills and rural Lothian farmland with less distinctive scenery.
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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to Edinburgh. The right side wins because the flight path from Malta to Edinburgh runs roughly north-northwest, keeping the French and Swiss Alps, the Sicilian coast, and the Firth of Forth on the right side during the key viewing phases, while the left side faces mostly open Atlantic-adjacent terrain and Bay of Biscay approaches with fewer distinct 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 MLA on runway 31, the climb-out curls north over Malta's coastline, giving right-side passengers a good look at Valletta's harbor and the Sicilian coastline as the aircraft turns toward the mainland. The left side mostly shows open Mediterranean water at this point. Notable sights include: Valletta's Grand Harbour, Malta's northern coast, Sicily's southeastern coastline, Mediterranean Sea.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to EDI's runway 24, aircraft typically descend from the northeast over the Firth of Forth, putting Edinburgh's skyline, the Forth bridges, and the coastline on the right side before the final turn to land. The left side during this phase mostly shows the Pentland Hills and rural Lothian farmland with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridge complex, Edinburgh city skyline with Arthur's Seat, East Lothian coastline.
How long is the flight from Malta to Edinburgh?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes 4h 10m.
What does the Malta to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Tyrrhenian Sea, Corsica and Sardinia's mountainous coastlines, the French Alps near the Franco-Italian border, and the Rhône valley before crossing central France toward the English Channel