While left offers good takeoff views of Adak Island, right dominates the landing approach with extensive views of Hokkaido's interior mountains, agricultural plains, and Sapporo basin. The landing segment is longer and more visually rewarding than the takeoff climb.
Flown ADK to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Adak Island to Sapporo is 2,019 miles (3,249 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
Aleutian Islands chain (Rat Islands and Andreanof Islands visible as you cross westbound), open North Pacific Ocean, transition to Japanese airspace near Kuril Islands region, approach over Hokkaido's forested interior and volcanic plateau areas
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ADK
LEFTLeft side offers views of Adak Island's volcanic terrain and the Bering Sea coastline as you climb out. Right side faces open ocean with no distinguishing features for the first 30+ minutes.
Landing at CTS
RIGHTRight side provides views of Hokkaido's mountainous interior and the approach into Sapporo basin. You'll see the Ishikari Plain and surrounding forested ridges as you descend toward Chitose. Left side faces the Sea of Japan with minimal landmarks during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Adak (ADK) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Adak Island to Sapporo. While left offers good takeoff views of Adak Island, right dominates the landing approach with extensive views of Hokkaido's interior mountains, agricultural plains, and Sapporo basin. The landing segment is longer and more visually rewarding than the takeoff climb.
What can I see during takeoff from Adak in Adak Island?
During takeoff from Adak (ADK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Adak Island's volcanic terrain and the Bering Sea coastline as you climb out. Right side faces open ocean with no distinguishing features for the first 30+ minutes. Notable sights include: Adak Island volcanic peaks, Bering Sea coastline, Andreanof Islands chain to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Hokkaido's mountainous interior and the approach into Sapporo basin. You'll see the Ishikari Plain and surrounding forested ridges as you descend toward Chitose. Left side faces the Sea of Japan with minimal landmarks during final approach. Notable sights include: Ishikari Plain agricultural fields, forested ridges of central Hokkaido, Chitose area urban sprawl, Maruyama area hills.
How long is the flight from Adak Island to Sapporo?
The flight from Adak (ADK) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,019 miles (3,249 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Adak Island to Sapporo flight path pass over?
Aleutian Islands chain (Rat Islands and Andreanof Islands visible as you cross westbound), open North Pacific Ocean, transition to Japanese airspace near Kuril Islands region, approach over Hokkaido's forested interior and volcanic plateau areas