Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior landing approach scenery over the Ethiopian highlands and Addis Ababa's dramatic plateau setting, combined with decent Jakarta departure views of the Java Sea and coastal islands. Left side offers primarily open ocean and flat terrain during cruise, with limited landmark density across the Indian Ocean crossing.
Flown CGK to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Jakarta to Addis Ababa is 4,788 miles (7,705 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
Indian Ocean crossing with no significant landmarks; the flight path crosses over the Arabian Sea and Red Sea region. Notable geographic features along the route include the Horn of Africa coastline (Somalia/Djibouti) approaching Ethiopia, and the transition from tropical maritime climate to the arid highlands of the Ethiopian plateau. The Red Sea lies to the west of the direct routing, and the flight passes over the Somali Peninsula's interior highlands before reaching the Ethiopian highlands near Addis Ababa.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CGK
RIGHTRight side captures Jakarta's harbor and coastal geography during departure. Aircraft typically depart runway 07 or 25 depending on wind; either direction offers views of the Java Sea and Jakarta's sprawling waterfront with its islands and shipping channels visible during initial climb.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTRight side provides superior approach scenery into Addis Ababa. The descent path typically brings aircraft over the Ethiopian highlands with views of the Entoto Mountains and the city's elevated plateau setting. The approach reveals Addis Ababa's urban sprawl across high-altitude terrain (7,726 feet elevation) with surrounding escarpments and valleys.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Jakarta to Addis Ababa. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior landing approach scenery over the Ethiopian highlands and Addis Ababa's dramatic plateau setting, combined with decent Jakarta departure views of the Java Sea and coastal islands. Left side offers primarily open ocean and flat terrain during cruise, with limited landmark density across the Indian Ocean crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Soekarno Hatta International in Jakarta?
During takeoff from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Jakarta's harbor and coastal geography during departure. Aircraft typically depart runway 07 or 25 depending on wind; either direction offers views of the Java Sea and Jakarta's sprawling waterfront with its islands and shipping channels visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Jakarta harbor and port facilities, Java Sea coastline, Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) archipelago to the north, Ciliwung River delta.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides superior approach scenery into Addis Ababa. The descent path typically brings aircraft over the Ethiopian highlands with views of the Entoto Mountains and the city's elevated plateau setting. The approach reveals Addis Ababa's urban sprawl across high-altitude terrain (7,726 feet elevation) with surrounding escarpments and valleys. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains to the north of Addis Ababa, the city's elevated plateau and urban grid, surrounding Ethiopian highlands and valleys, Addis Ababa's distinctive high-altitude setting.
How long is the flight from Jakarta to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,788 miles (7,705 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Jakarta to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
Indian Ocean crossing with no significant landmarks; the flight path crosses over the Arabian Sea and Red Sea region. Notable geographic features along the route include the Horn of Africa coastline (Somalia/Djibouti) approaching Ethiopia, and the transition from tropical maritime climate to the arid highlands of the Ethiopian plateau. The Red Sea lies to the west of the direct routing, and the flight passes over the Somali Peninsula's interior highlands before reaching the Ethiopian highlands near Addis Ababa.