While takeoff favors the right side for Rio's iconic landmarks, most of the roughly two-hour flight tracks north along Brazil's coastline, and the left (west-facing) side keeps passengers oriented toward the shore, river mouths, and coastal towns rather than open Atlantic water.
Flown GIG to NAT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Rio De Janeiro to Natal is 1,289 miles (2,075 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
The route roughly parallels the Brazilian coastline past the states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, and Pernambuco, with occasional glimpses of river mouths and coastal towns like Ilhéus or Recife's outskirts when the flight path passes near shore, though much of the cruise is over open Atlantic water east of the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GIG
RIGHTDeparting GIG on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over Guanabara Bay before banking north toward Natal, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the bay's islands as the plane turns.
Landing at NAT
LEFTOn approach to NAT runway 12 from the west, the aircraft crosses inland terrain before the coast, so left-side (north-facing) passengers get a clear view of the Potengi River estuary and Natal's riverside skyline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rio De Janeiro to Natal. While takeoff favors the right side for Rio's iconic landmarks, most of the roughly two-hour flight tracks north along Brazil's coastline, and the left (west-facing) side keeps passengers oriented toward the shore, river mouths, and coastal towns rather than open Atlantic water.
What can I see during takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
During takeoff from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing GIG on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over Guanabara Bay before banking north toward Natal, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and the bay's islands as the plane turns. Notable sights include: Sugarloaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, Corcovado/Christ the Redeemer, Niterói skyline.
What can I see when landing at Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport in Natal?
When landing at Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to NAT runway 12 from the west, the aircraft crosses inland terrain before the coast, so left-side (north-facing) passengers get a clear view of the Potengi River estuary and Natal's riverside skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Potengi River estuary, Newton Navarro Bridge, Natal city skyline, coastal mangroves.
How long is the flight from Rio De Janeiro to Natal?
The flight from Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) to Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,289 miles (2,075 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Rio De Janeiro to Natal flight path pass over?
The route roughly parallels the Brazilian coastline past the states of Espírito Santo, Bahia, and Pernambuco, with occasional glimpses of river mouths and coastal towns like Ilhéus or Recife's outskirts when the flight path passes near shore, though much of the cruise is over open Atlantic water east of the coast.