The right side offers a more varied sequence overall: the Ethiopian highlands at departure, glimpses of the Nile corridor and Mediterranean coastline near Egypt and Greece during cruise, and the Thames/Windsor Castle sequence on arrival, compared to the more monotonous Saharan and open-plain views on the left.
Flight Path
Nile River valley and Cairo area in Egypt, the eastern Mediterranean coastline near Crete and Greece, and the Alps' northern foothills before the descent into western Europe
Great circle distance and headings ›
_-_75_(50558355441).jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTClimbing out of Bole, the aircraft banks over the Entoto Hills and the patchwork of Addis Ababa's high-altitude cityscape before the route settles onto its northwest heading toward Sudan. The right side keeps the Ethiopian highlands and the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in view a bit longer than the flatter terrain on the left.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTOn the standard easterly holding pattern into Heathrow, aircraft descend over the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, passing north of the river. This typically puts the London skyline and, closer to touchdown, Windsor Castle and the Thames loop on the right side of the cabin.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to London. The right side offers a more varied sequence overall: the Ethiopian highlands at departure, glimpses of the Nile corridor and Mediterranean coastline near Egypt and Greece during cruise, and the Thames/Windsor Castle sequence on arrival, compared to the more monotonous Saharan and open-plain views on the left.
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. Climbing out of Bole, the aircraft banks over the Entoto Hills and the patchwork of Addis Ababa's high-altitude cityscape before the route settles onto its northwest heading toward Sudan. The right side keeps the Ethiopian highlands and the edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment in view a bit longer than the flatter terrain on the left. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains, Addis Ababa cityscape, Rift Valley escarpment edge.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the standard easterly holding pattern into Heathrow, aircraft descend over the Thames corridor before turning onto final approach for 27L/27R, passing north of the river. This typically puts the London skyline and, closer to touchdown, Windsor Castle and the Thames loop on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Thames River bends, Windsor Castle, London skyline (Canary Wharf/The Shard in the distance), Heathrow's parallel runways.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to London?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 7h 10m.
What does the Addis Ababa to London flight path pass over?
Nile River valley and Cairo area in Egypt, the eastern Mediterranean coastline near Crete and Greece, and the Alps' northern foothills before the descent into western Europe