While right seats dominate the Palermo departure, the Vienna landing on left seats is more dramatic and geographically significant. The Danube's meanders and the transition from Mediterranean to Central European geography make the approach superior. Left-side passengers also capture the flight's climactic moment.
Flown PMO to VIE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Palermo to Vienna is 708 miles (1,140 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Adriatic Sea (visible as open water for roughly 45 minutes after departure), then the Dinaric Alps and Balkans as a series of north-south trending ridges and valleys. Around the midpoint near Bosnia/Serbia, the terrain transitions from limestone karst to forested mountains. The Danube becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before Vienna arrival, first as a thin silver line, then increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends into the Pannonian Basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›_-_75_(50558355441).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PMO
RIGHTPalermo typically departs runway 07 (eastbound) or 25 (westbound). Right-side seats on an eastbound departure offer immediate views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Mondello coastal plain. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for northern routes like Vienna.
Landing at VIE
LEFTVienna's Schwechat typically uses runways 11L/11R (northeastbound) or 29L/29R (southwestbound). Northeastbound approaches favor left seats for views of the Danube's distinctive meanders and the flat Pannonian Plain. This is the more common approach direction for westbound traffic.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palermo to Vienna. While right seats dominate the Palermo departure, the Vienna landing on left seats is more dramatic and geographically significant. The Danube's meanders and the transition from Mediterranean to Central European geography make the approach superior. Left-side passengers also capture the flight's climactic moment.
What can I see during takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
During takeoff from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Palermo typically departs runway 07 (eastbound) or 25 (westbound). Right-side seats on an eastbound departure offer immediate views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Mondello coastal plain. Westbound departures favor left seats, but eastbound is more common for northern routes like Vienna. Notable sights include: Mondello Beach and coastal strip (immediate), Palermo city grid and harbor (left/behind), Monte Pellegrino limestone massif (southeast), Tyrrhenian Sea extending northeast.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Vienna's Schwechat typically uses runways 11L/11R (northeastbound) or 29L/29R (southwestbound). Northeastbound approaches favor left seats for views of the Danube's distinctive meanders and the flat Pannonian Plain. This is the more common approach direction for westbound traffic. Notable sights include: Danube River with characteristic oxbow bends, Pannonian Plain agricultural grid, Vienna city center and Stephansdom spire area (distant), Carpathian foothills on far horizon.
How long is the flight from Palermo to Vienna?
The flight from Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) to Schwechat (VIE) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 708 miles (1,140 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palermo to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Adriatic Sea (visible as open water for roughly 45 minutes after departure), then the Dinaric Alps and Balkans as a series of north-south trending ridges and valleys. Around the midpoint near Bosnia/Serbia, the terrain transitions from limestone karst to forested mountains. The Danube becomes visible roughly 30 minutes before Vienna arrival, first as a thin silver line, then increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends into the Pannonian Basin.