While the takeoff offers Mediterranean and mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and visually distinctive terrain—the Ethiopian highlands and Blue Nile gorge are geologically striking features. Right side captures the most impressive geography of the entire flight.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, then the North African coast near Libya, traversing the Sahara Desert with occasional visibility of the Tibesti Mountains in southern Libya/northern Chad, before reaching the Red Sea coast and climbing into the Ethiopian highlands. The Nile Valley becomes visible approaching Sudan, though the main river channel may be obscured by haze at cruising altitude.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ciampino (CIA) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rome to Addis Ababa. While the takeoff offers Mediterranean and mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and visually distinctive terrain—the Ethiopian highlands and Blue Nile gorge are geologically striking features. Right side captures the most impressive geography of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ciampino in Rome?
During takeoff from Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Apennine Mountains running southeast from Rome, plus the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline to the west. Right side faces inland toward the Alban Hills, which are lower and less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Apennine Mountains (southeast), Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Alban Hills, Rome urban sprawl.
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 views of the Blue Nile gorge and the Ethiopian highlands as the aircraft descends toward Addis Ababa. Left side faces toward the Rift Valley but offers less dramatic topography during final approach. Notable sights include: Blue Nile gorge, Ethiopian highlands, Addis Ababa plateau, Entoto Mountains.
How long is the flight from Rome to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Ciampino (CIA) to Bole International (ADD) takes 5h 15m.
What does the Rome to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea, then the North African coast near Libya, traversing the Sahara Desert with occasional visibility of the Tibesti Mountains in southern Libya/northern Chad, before reaching the Red Sea coast and climbing into the Ethiopian highlands. The Nile Valley becomes visible approaching Sudan, though the main river channel may be obscured by haze at cruising altitude.