While takeoff offers Malta's scenic archipelago on the right, the landing approach into Vienna on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Danube's meanders, Alpine foothills, and a major European capital sprawling below you make for a more rewarding overall experience.
Flown MLA to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Malta to Vienna is 854 miles (1,374 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ionian Sea and enters Italian airspace over Calabria or Sicily, then proceeds north over the Italian peninsula (Apennines visible as a spine of mountains), crosses into Slovenia or Croatia depending on routing, and follows the Danube valley into Austria. Notable midpoint sights include the Apennine Mountains, the Po River valley in northern Italy, and the Julian Alps on the Slovenia-Austria border. The Danube becomes increasingly visible as you approach Vienna from the south.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLA
RIGHTRight-side seats capture Malta's archipelago as you climb northward. You'll see the island's limestone cliffs, Comino's turquoise lagoon, and the Maltese coastline receding beneath you before the aircraft turns toward Italy.
Landing at VIE
LEFTLeft seats offer the best views during the descent into Vienna. You'll see the Danube River's distinctive meanders as you approach from the south, plus the Alpine foothills and the city's sprawl along the river valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luqa (MLA) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Malta to Vienna. While takeoff offers Malta's scenic archipelago on the right, the landing approach into Vienna on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Danube's meanders, Alpine foothills, and a major European capital sprawling below you make for a more rewarding overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Luqa in Malta?
During takeoff from Luqa (MLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture Malta's archipelago as you climb northward. You'll see the island's limestone cliffs, Comino's turquoise lagoon, and the Maltese coastline receding beneath you before the aircraft turns toward Italy. Notable sights include: Malta's Grand Harbour (Valletta), Comino Island with Blue Lagoon, Gozo Island to the northwest, Mediterranean Sea stretching north.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer the best views during the descent into Vienna. You'll see the Danube River's distinctive meanders as you approach from the south, plus the Alpine foothills and the city's sprawl along the river valley. Notable sights include: Danube River with characteristic loops and bends, Alpine foothills to the south and west, Vienna's urban sprawl along the Danube, Schwechat airport on the eastern plain.
How long is the flight from Malta to Vienna?
The flight from Luqa (MLA) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 854 miles (1,374 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Malta to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ionian Sea and enters Italian airspace over Calabria or Sicily, then proceeds north over the Italian peninsula (Apennines visible as a spine of mountains), crosses into Slovenia or Croatia depending on routing, and follows the Danube valley into Austria. Notable midpoint sights include the Apennine Mountains, the Po River valley in northern Italy, and the Julian Alps on the Slovenia-Austria border. The Danube becomes increasingly visible as you approach Vienna from the south.