The right side captures Malta's Grand Harbour on departure, then the great-circle path over the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sardinia/Corsica, the French Riviera and the western Alps keeps genuinely scenic terrain on that side through cruise, followed by a glimpse of London on approach. The left side is dominated by open Mediterranean and Atlantic-facing French countryside with little visual interest.
Flight Path
Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and Sardinia, Corsica's mountainous coastline, the Ligurian Sea off the French Riviera near Nice and Monaco, and the western Alps visible on the horizon before the route crosses central France toward the English Channel
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTDeparting on runway 31 from Luqa, the initial climb heading (about 312°) puts Valletta, the Grand Harbour and the Sliema/St Julian's coastline off the right side of the aircraft before the turn north. The left side only shows open sea and, briefly, Gozo/Comino in the distance.
Landing at LTN
RIGHTOn the approach into Luton, arrivals from the south typically track east of the airport before turning onto final for runway 25, which briefly puts the London skyline and the Chiltern Hills' rolling farmland on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat Bedfordshire fields with no distinguishing features.
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 Luton (LTN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to London. The right side captures Malta's Grand Harbour on departure, then the great-circle path over the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sardinia/Corsica, the French Riviera and the western Alps keeps genuinely scenic terrain on that side through cruise, followed by a glimpse of London on approach. The left side is dominated by open Mediterranean and Atlantic-facing French countryside with little visual interest.
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 from Luqa, the initial climb heading (about 312°) puts Valletta, the Grand Harbour and the Sliema/St Julian's coastline off the right side of the aircraft before the turn north. The left side only shows open sea and, briefly, Gozo/Comino in the distance. Notable sights include: Valletta and the Grand Harbour, Sliema and St Julian's waterfront, Marsamxett Harbour, Gozo/Comino silhouette in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Luton in London?
When landing at Luton (LTN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Luton, arrivals from the south typically track east of the airport before turning onto final for runway 25, which briefly puts the London skyline and the Chiltern Hills' rolling farmland on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat Bedfordshire fields with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Distant London skyline (Shard, Canary Wharf towers), Chiltern Hills escarpment, River Lea valley, patchwork farmland of Hertfordshire.
How long is the flight from Malta to London?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Luton (LTN) takes 2h 55m.
What does the Malta to London flight path pass over?
Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and Sardinia, Corsica's mountainous coastline, the Ligurian Sea off the French Riviera near Nice and Monaco, and the western Alps visible on the horizon before the route crosses central France toward the English Channel