About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Frankfurt. Left side wins both departure and arrival. Over the Ethiopian Highlands and Sudan the left side also faces west toward the Nile Valley as the route tracks north, and on descent into Frankfurt the left side captures the Main River and city skyline. Consistent advantage throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Bole International in Addis Ababa?
During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bole's primary departure runway 07R sends aircraft northeast, putting the Entoto Hills and the dense urban core of Addis Ababa on the left (north) side. You get a clear look back over the city as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest toward Europe. Notable sights include: Entoto Hills rising above the city to the north, the sprawling grid of Addis Ababa's central districts, the green ridge of Yeka Hill to the northeast, and the open plateau of the Ethiopian Highlands stretching west.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Frankfurt typically uses runways 25L/25C for westerly landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Rhine-Main plain. The left side faces south, giving views of the Frankfurt skyline, the Main River bend, and the Taunus hills to the northwest as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Frankfurt city skyline and Bankenviertel towers, the Main River curving through the city, the Taunus ridge to the north, and the flat Rhine-Main agricultural plain on approach.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Frankfurt?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the Addis Ababa to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
The route tracks north-northwest over the Ethiopian Highlands, then crosses the Sudanese desert and the Nile Valley near Khartoum — the Nile's green ribbon is visible against the Saharan sand. The flight then crosses Egypt, the Mediterranean near the Libyan-Egyptian coast, and overflies the central Mediterranean before entering Europe over Italy or the Adriatic. The Alps may be visible on the left horizon during the descent into Germany depending on routing.