While takeoff favors the right for Ethiopian Highlands views, the landing approach dominates this route—left-side seats provide superior views of the Seychelles archipelago's dramatic granite peaks and the Indian Ocean approach, which is the visual highlight of this flight.
Flown ADD to SEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Addis Ababa to Mahe is 1,489 miles (2,396 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean for roughly 2.5 hours after leaving Ethiopian airspace. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the ocean dominates the view with occasional scattered cumulus cloud formations. The Comoros Islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli) lie roughly 1,000 miles south of the direct track and are not visible from the standard flight path. The route passes over open ocean with no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude until the Seychelles archipelago appears on the horizon approximately 200 miles out from landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADD
RIGHTAddis Ababa typically departs runway 25R or 25L (westbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and the city's elevated terrain as you climb out. The right side also captures the dramatic topography that defines the region.
Landing at SEZ
LEFTSeychelles International uses runway 02/20 depending on wind. Approaching from the northwest (typical from Ethiopia), left-side seats provide views of the Indian Ocean approach, the outer islands of the Seychelles archipelago, and Mahé's dramatic granite peaks as you descend into Seychelles International.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Seychelles International (SEZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Mahe. While takeoff favors the right for Ethiopian Highlands views, the landing approach dominates this route—left-side seats provide superior views of the Seychelles archipelago's dramatic granite peaks and the Indian Ocean approach, which is the visual highlight of this flight.
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 runway 25R or 25L (westbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and the city's elevated terrain as you climb out. The right side also captures the dramatic topography that defines the region. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands (Entoto Mountains to the north), Addis Ababa city sprawl below, the Awash River valley to the east, Mount Entoto ridge.
What can I see when landing at Seychelles International in Mahe?
When landing at Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seychelles International uses runway 02/20 depending on wind. Approaching from the northwest (typical from Ethiopia), left-side seats provide views of the Indian Ocean approach, the outer islands of the Seychelles archipelago, and Mahé's dramatic granite peaks as you descend into Seychelles International. Notable sights include: Mahé's granite peaks (Morne Seychellois), the outer Seychelles islands (Silhouette, North Island), turquoise lagoon waters, coral reef structures.
How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Mahe?
The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Seychelles International (SEZ) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,489 miles (2,396 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Addis Ababa to Mahe flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Indian Ocean for roughly 2.5 hours after leaving Ethiopian airspace. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the ocean dominates the view with occasional scattered cumulus cloud formations. The Comoros Islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, Mohéli) lie roughly 1,000 miles south of the direct track and are not visible from the standard flight path. The route passes over open ocean with no significant landmarks visible at cruise altitude until the Seychelles archipelago appears on the horizon approximately 200 miles out from landing.