Takeoff views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment are more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the relatively flat landing approach into Brussels. The right side during departure captures the most visually striking terrain.
Flown ADD to BRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Brussels is 3,492 miles (5,619 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near Libya/Tunisia (visible around 3.5 hours into flight), then proceeds over the central Mediterranean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Atlas Mountains (visible to the south if on a slightly southern routing), the Sahara Desert (visible as tan/beige expanse if routing permits southern visibility), and the transition into European airspace over southern Spain/Portugal around 6 hours. The Nile Delta is not on this direct routing but would be visible on more southerly alternatives. Most of the cruise is over open water and desert with limited distinctive landmarks until approaching European airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTAddis Ababa typically departs runways 05R/23L or 05L/23R. Northbound departures (05 heading) favor right-side seats to see the Ethiopian Highlands immediately north and east of the airport. The escarpment and elevated terrain are dramatic from altitude during climb-out.
Landing at BRU
LEFTBrussels typically lands runways 07L/25R or 07R/25L. Southbound approaches (25 heading) favor left-side seats for views of the Meuse River valley, Belgian countryside, and the approach path over Flanders. The flat terrain and river systems are distinctive on descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Brussels. Takeoff views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment are more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the relatively flat landing approach into Brussels. The right side during departure captures the most visually striking terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Bole International in Addis Ababa?
During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Addis Ababa typically departs runways 05R/23L or 05L/23R. Northbound departures (05 heading) favor right-side seats to see the Ethiopian Highlands immediately north and east of the airport. The escarpment and elevated terrain are dramatic from altitude during climb-out. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands (Entoto Mountains to the north), Addis Ababa city sprawl (directly below during initial climb), Lake Bishoftu (visible ~30 miles southeast if turning east before northbound routing), Awash River valley (northeast, visible during climb to cruising altitude).
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Brussels typically lands runways 07L/25R or 07R/25L. Southbound approaches (25 heading) favor left-side seats for views of the Meuse River valley, Belgian countryside, and the approach path over Flanders. The flat terrain and river systems are distinctive on descent. Notable sights include: Meuse River (visible as a silvery line cutting through farmland, ~15 miles south of Brussels), Flanders agricultural plains (patchwork of fields in descent corridor), Brussels city center and Sabena/airport district (visible during final approach), Antwerp region (visible to the north/left during descent if on southern approach).
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Brussels?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,492 miles (5,619 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near Libya/Tunisia (visible around 3.5 hours into flight), then proceeds over the central Mediterranean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Atlas Mountains (visible to the south if on a slightly southern routing), the Sahara Desert (visible as tan/beige expanse if routing permits southern visibility), and the transition into European airspace over southern Spain/Portugal around 6 hours. The Nile Delta is not on this direct routing but would be visible on more southerly alternatives. Most of the cruise is over open water and desert with limited distinctive landmarks until approaching European airspace.