While landing favors the right, the 17-hour flight path crosses the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia where left-side views (northbound routing over Greece, Turkey, and the Caucasus) typically offer more dramatic geography than right-side views over North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The takeoff advantage on the left is also significant.
Flown SYD to VCE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Venice is 10,137 miles (16,314 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
Suez Canal (if routed through Egypt), Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf, Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border), Caspian Sea region, Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea, Balkans (Greece, Albania, Macedonia), Adriatic approaches to Venice
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTSydney typically departs runway 34L or 34R (northeasterly heading). Left seats face the Blue Mountains to the west-northwest during initial climb, offering dramatic escarpment views. Right seats see the Tasman Sea and are less visually rewarding.
Landing at VCE
RIGHTVenice approaches typically use runway 04 (northeasterly) or 22 (southwesterly). Right seats on approach to runway 04 face the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon directly, with the city islands and Lido barrier visible. Left seats see the Italian mainland and are less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Venezia Tessera (VCE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Venice. While landing favors the right, the 17-hour flight path crosses the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia where left-side views (northbound routing over Greece, Turkey, and the Caucasus) typically offer more dramatic geography than right-side views over North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The takeoff advantage on the left is also significant.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney typically departs runway 34L or 34R (northeasterly heading). Left seats face the Blue Mountains to the west-northwest during initial climb, offering dramatic escarpment views. Right seats see the Tasman Sea and are less visually rewarding. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Sydney Harbour, Parramatta River valley, Hawkesbury River to the north.
What can I see when landing at Venezia Tessera in Venice?
When landing at Venezia Tessera (VCE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Venice approaches typically use runway 04 (northeasterly) or 22 (southwesterly). Right seats on approach to runway 04 face the Adriatic Sea and the Venetian Lagoon directly, with the city islands and Lido barrier visible. Left seats see the Italian mainland and are less distinctive. Notable sights include: Venetian Lagoon (Laguna Veneta), Lido barrier island, Adriatic Sea, Mainland Italy (Veneto region).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Venice?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Venezia Tessera (VCE) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,137 miles (16,314 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Venice flight path pass over?
Suez Canal (if routed through Egypt), Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf, Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border), Caspian Sea region, Caucasus Mountains, Black Sea, Balkans (Greece, Albania, Macedonia), Adriatic approaches to Venice