While the takeoff offers Alpine views on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Tyrrhenian coastline, Sicilian plain, and Monte Pellegrino are visually striking. Left-side seats capture the best of the descent.
Flown VIE to PMO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vienna to Palermo is 708 miles (1,140 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible as a snow-capped ridge if conditions permit), then descends over northern Italy. Passengers may glimpse the Po Valley plains, the Apennine Mountains' eastern slopes, and eventually the Adriatic coast before turning southwest toward Sicily. The transition from temperate European landscape to Mediterranean terrain is gradual but noticeable.
Great circle distance and headings ›
_-_75_(50558355441).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from VIE
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Danube River as it curves through Vienna's outskirts, plus the Alpine foothills rising to the southwest. The climb-out path heads southeast, so right-side passengers see the river's meanders and the transition from Pannonian Plain to higher terrain.
Landing at PMO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Palermo. The approach typically comes from the north over the Tyrrhenian Sea, so left-side passengers see the Sicilian coastline, the Conca d'Oro (Palermo's fertile plain), and the Mondello Beach area before touchdown.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Palermo. While the takeoff offers Alpine views on the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Tyrrhenian coastline, Sicilian plain, and Monte Pellegrino are visually striking. Left-side seats capture the best of the descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Danube River as it curves through Vienna's outskirts, plus the Alpine foothills rising to the southwest. The climb-out path heads southeast, so right-side passengers see the river's meanders and the transition from Pannonian Plain to higher terrain. Notable sights include: Danube River (multiple loops visible), Eastern Alps foothills, Vienna city sprawl fading eastward, Carpathian Basin plains.
What can I see when landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo?
When landing at Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Palermo. The approach typically comes from the north over the Tyrrhenian Sea, so left-side passengers see the Sicilian coastline, the Conca d'Oro (Palermo's fertile plain), and the Mondello Beach area before touchdown. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Mondello Beach and coastal towns, Conca d'Oro agricultural plain, Monte Pellegrino headland.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Palermo?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) takes about 2 hours 15 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 Vienna to Palermo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible as a snow-capped ridge if conditions permit), then descends over northern Italy. Passengers may glimpse the Po Valley plains, the Apennine Mountains' eastern slopes, and eventually the Adriatic coast before turning southwest toward Sicily. The transition from temperate European landscape to Mediterranean terrain is gradual but noticeable.