The left side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, then the full Alpine traverse including the Swiss and Italian Alps, followed by the Po Valley, the Apennines, and eventually the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline. The right side has the Grand Harbour on landing but misses the bulk of the Alpine scenery.
Flown ZRH to MLA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Malta is 858 miles (1,381 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Swiss Alps (including the Bernese and Lepontine Alps), descends over the Po Valley in northern Italy with Milan visible to the west, crosses the Apennine spine of central Italy, passes over Rome and the Tyrrhenian coast, then tracks over the Strait of Sicily before reaching Malta. The Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland is visible if routing goes that way.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTZurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Malta, the left side gives you Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the first ridges of the Alps rising ahead. The right side faces the city center and Zurich Airport's industrial apron.
Landing at MLA
RIGHTMalta International typically lands on runway 31 (from the southeast) or runway 13 (from the northwest). On approach from the north, runway 31 brings you in from the southeast, and the right side gives you the Grand Harbour of Valletta, the Three Cities, and the open Mediterranean. The left side faces inland scrubland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Luqa (MLA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Malta. The left side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight: Lake Zurich and the Alps on departure, then the full Alpine traverse including the Swiss and Italian Alps, followed by the Po Valley, the Apennines, and eventually the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline. The right side has the Grand Harbour on landing but misses the bulk of the Alpine scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically departs on runway 16 (southbound) or 28 (westbound). On a southbound departure toward Malta, the left side gives you Lake Zurich stretching southeast and the first ridges of the Alps rising ahead. The right side faces the city center and Zurich Airport's industrial apron. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Glarus Alps to the southeast, Uetliberg ridge, Lake Greifen.
What can I see when landing at Luqa in Malta?
When landing at Luqa (MLA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Malta International typically lands on runway 31 (from the southeast) or runway 13 (from the northwest). On approach from the north, runway 31 brings you in from the southeast, and the right side gives you the Grand Harbour of Valletta, the Three Cities, and the open Mediterranean. The left side faces inland scrubland. Notable sights include: Grand Harbour and Valletta, Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua), Marsaxlokk Bay, Mediterranean Sea.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Malta?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Luqa (MLA) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 858 miles (1,381 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Malta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Swiss Alps (including the Bernese and Lepontine Alps), descends over the Po Valley in northern Italy with Milan visible to the west, crosses the Apennine spine of central Italy, passes over Rome and the Tyrrhenian coast, then tracks over the Strait of Sicily before reaching Malta. The Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland is visible if routing goes that way.