While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Pico Island offers the more dramatic and memorable scenery. Mount Pico's volcanic cone is one of the most visually striking features in the Azores, and the right-side view during climb-out provides an unobstructed perspective of this iconic landmark as it recedes beneath the aircraft.
Flown PIX to PDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pico to Ponta Delgada is 159 miles (256 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses open Atlantic Ocean between Pico Island and São Miguel Island. At the midpoint, you'll be over deep ocean with no visible landmarks—this is a short inter-island hop with minimal scenic features between departure and arrival. The most notable aspect is the transition from Pico's volcanic terrain to São Miguel's larger landmass as you approach the destination.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIX
RIGHTPico Island's most dramatic feature is Mount Pico, which rises 7,713 feet and dominates the island's skyline. From a right-side seat during climb-out heading southeast toward São Miguel, you'll see the volcano's distinctive cone and the surrounding caldera rim as the aircraft banks away from the island.
Landing at PDL
LEFTApproaching Ponta Delgada from the northwest, a left-side seat offers views of São Miguel Island's northern coast, including the city's harbor and waterfront. You'll see the distinctive shape of Ponta Delgada's bay and the urban development along the coast as you descend toward Cristóvão Colombo Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pico (PIX) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pico to Ponta Delgada. While the landing approach favors the left, the takeoff from Pico Island offers the more dramatic and memorable scenery. Mount Pico's volcanic cone is one of the most visually striking features in the Azores, and the right-side view during climb-out provides an unobstructed perspective of this iconic landmark as it recedes beneath the aircraft.
What can I see during takeoff from Pico in Pico?
During takeoff from Pico (PIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pico Island's most dramatic feature is Mount Pico, which rises 7,713 feet and dominates the island's skyline. From a right-side seat during climb-out heading southeast toward São Miguel, you'll see the volcano's distinctive cone and the surrounding caldera rim as the aircraft banks away from the island. Notable sights include: Mount Pico (volcanic cone), Pico Island's western coastline, the Atlantic Ocean extending south, neighboring Faial Island to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
When landing at Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Ponta Delgada from the northwest, a left-side seat offers views of São Miguel Island's northern coast, including the city's harbor and waterfront. You'll see the distinctive shape of Ponta Delgada's bay and the urban development along the coast as you descend toward Cristóvão Colombo Airport. Notable sights include: Ponta Delgada harbor and waterfront, São Miguel Island's northern coastline, Cristóvão Colombo Airport runway, volcanic terrain of eastern São Miguel.
How long is the flight from Pico to Ponta Delgada?
The flight from Pico (PIX) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 159 miles (256 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pico to Ponta Delgada flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses open Atlantic Ocean between Pico Island and São Miguel Island. At the midpoint, you'll be over deep ocean with no visible landmarks—this is a short inter-island hop with minimal scenic features between departure and arrival. The most notable aspect is the transition from Pico's volcanic terrain to São Miguel's larger landmass as you approach the destination.