Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Dubai's coastline and creek on departure, and the Entoto Hills and Addis Ababa plateau on arrival. The mid-flight section over the Somali Plateau and Ethiopian Highlands also offers more textured terrain on the left (eastern) side of the route.
Flown DXB to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Addis Ababa is 1,565 miles (2,519 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa region, passing over the arid Somali Plateau and Ogaden lowlands before climbing over the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands escarpment. The transition from flat semi-desert to the deeply dissected Ethiopian plateau is visible roughly 45-60 minutes before landing, with river gorges and volcanic highland terrain becoming increasingly prominent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
LEFTDubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south. A left-side seat captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the Persian Gulf coastline as the aircraft banks south toward the route. The right side faces inland desert.
Landing at ADD
LEFTBole International primarily uses runway 07/25. Arrivals on runway 07 approach from the west, meaning a left-side seat looks south toward the Bale Mountains and the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment, while the right side faces north over flatter terrain. On runway 25 arrivals from the east, the left side captures the Entoto Hills immediately north of Addis Ababa during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Addis Ababa. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Dubai's coastline and creek on departure, and the Entoto Hills and Addis Ababa plateau on arrival. The mid-flight section over the Somali Plateau and Ethiopian Highlands also offers more textured terrain on the left (eastern) side of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south. A left-side seat captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the Persian Gulf coastline as the aircraft banks south toward the route. The right side faces inland desert. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira waterfront, Palm Jumeirah visible to the southwest, Persian Gulf coastline, downtown Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa.
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. Bole International primarily uses runway 07/25. Arrivals on runway 07 approach from the west, meaning a left-side seat looks south toward the Bale Mountains and the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment, while the right side faces north over flatter terrain. On runway 25 arrivals from the east, the left side captures the Entoto Hills immediately north of Addis Ababa during final approach. Notable sights include: Entoto Hills ridge north of Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Highlands plateau terrain, Lake Bishoftu crater lakes to the southeast, the dense urban fabric of Addis Ababa spreading across the plateau.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,565 miles (2,519 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa region, passing over the arid Somali Plateau and Ogaden lowlands before climbing over the dramatic Ethiopian Highlands escarpment. The transition from flat semi-desert to the deeply dissected Ethiopian plateau is visible roughly 45-60 minutes before landing, with river gorges and volcanic highland terrain becoming increasingly prominent.