While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach—which offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery of the Ethiopian Highlands and Blue Nile gorge—makes left the better overall choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near southern France or northern Spain, then proceeds southeast over the Sahara Desert (featureless tan expanse at altitude), crosses the Red Sea near Eritrea, and approaches the Ethiopian Highlands from the northeast. The Sahara occupies roughly 4-5 hours of flight time with minimal visual interest; the most dramatic scenery occurs during the final 90 minutes as you approach the Ethiopian plateau and its complex topography.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region as you climb out. The left side faces northwest toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at ADD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the east. You'll see the dramatic escarpment and high plateau terrain that defines the region.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Addis Ababa. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach—which offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery of the Ethiopian Highlands and Blue Nile gorge—makes left the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France region as you climb out. The left side faces northwest toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris city sprawl, Versailles region, Forest of Fontainebleau (distant).
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the east. You'll see the dramatic escarpment and high plateau terrain that defines the region. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands plateau, Blue Nile gorge system, Addis Ababa urban area, surrounding volcanic terrain.
How long is the flight from Paris to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Bole International (ADD) takes Approximately 7 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Paris to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean coast near southern France or northern Spain, then proceeds southeast over the Sahara Desert (featureless tan expanse at altitude), crosses the Red Sea near Eritrea, and approaches the Ethiopian Highlands from the northeast. The Sahara occupies roughly 4-5 hours of flight time with minimal visual interest; the most dramatic scenery occurs during the final 90 minutes as you approach the Ethiopian plateau and its complex topography.