While takeoff offers dramatic escarpment views on the right, the landing sequence over the Yamuna River and Delhi's sprawl provides more sustained visual interest and clearer geographic definition. Left-side seats capture the flight's most distinctive feature—the river approach—and offer better views during the longer descent phase.
Flown ADD to DEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Delhi is 2,828 miles (4,551 km), a flight of about 5 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indo-Gangetic Plain from southwest to northeast. Notable features include the Rajasthan desert region (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain), the Sutlej River valley in Punjab, and the transition from Ethiopian highlands through the Arabian Sea region, across western India's plateau, into the flat Gangetic Plain. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent; the Thar Desert appears as a distinct tan band, and the Himalayas may be visible on the northern horizon during clear conditions.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the escarpment edge and Ethiopian highlands immediately after departure. Bole typically departs on runway 25R/07L; climbing northeast or southwest, right-side views show the dramatic topography that defines Addis Ababa's setting.
Landing at DEL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's eastern sprawl, and the approach corridor over the Gangetic Plain. DEL typically lands on runway 28L/10R; descending from the northwest, left-side views show the river's distinctive curves and the city's eastern districts.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Delhi. While takeoff offers dramatic escarpment views on the right, the landing sequence over the Yamuna River and Delhi's sprawl provides more sustained visual interest and clearer geographic definition. Left-side seats capture the flight's most distinctive feature—the river approach—and offer better views during the longer descent phase.
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. Right-side seats capture the escarpment edge and Ethiopian highlands immediately after departure. Bole typically departs on runway 25R/07L; climbing northeast or southwest, right-side views show the dramatic topography that defines Addis Ababa's setting. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands escarpment edge, Addis Ababa urban sprawl below, Entoto Mountains to the north, Awash River valley in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
When landing at Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Yamuna River, Delhi's eastern sprawl, and the approach corridor over the Gangetic Plain. DEL typically lands on runway 28L/10R; descending from the northwest, left-side views show the river's distinctive curves and the city's eastern districts. Notable sights include: Yamuna River with its characteristic meanders, Delhi's eastern urban expansion, Gangetic Plain agricultural fields, Aravalli Hills as a distant ridge.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Delhi?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Indira Gandhi International (DEL) takes about 5 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,828 miles (4,551 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Delhi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indo-Gangetic Plain from southwest to northeast. Notable features include the Rajasthan desert region (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain), the Sutlej River valley in Punjab, and the transition from Ethiopian highlands through the Arabian Sea region, across western India's plateau, into the flat Gangetic Plain. At cruise altitude (around 35,000 feet), the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent; the Thar Desert appears as a distinct tan band, and the Himalayas may be visible on the northern horizon during clear conditions.