Right seats capture the superior views on both legs: the Saronic Gulf and Hymettus Mountains during Athens departure, and the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment during Addis Ababa descent. The flight path itself (southeast across the Mediterranean, then south over the Red Sea region) favors right-side views of major geographical features.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea (Crete visible as a large island roughly 2 hours into flight), then continues southeast over the Red Sea. The Sinai Peninsula appears as a tan, arid landmass. The Red Sea itself is a narrow, deep blue water body flanked by desert on both sides. As the aircraft approaches Ethiopia, the transition from Red Sea coastal plains to the rising Ethiopian Highlands becomes visible—the terrain shifts from flat, barren desert to increasingly elevated, vegetated plateau with visible escarpments and volcanic formations.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Athinai (HEW) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Addis Ababa. Right seats capture the superior views on both legs: the Saronic Gulf and Hymettus Mountains during Athens departure, and the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment during Addis Ababa descent. The flight path itself (southeast across the Mediterranean, then south over the Red Sea region) favors right-side views of major geographical features.
What can I see during takeoff from Athinai in Athens?
During takeoff from Athinai (HEW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Athens typically departs runway 03L/03R (northbound) or 21L/21R (southbound). Right seats offer the best view of the Saronic Gulf and the Attica coastline during northbound climbs. If departing southbound, right seats still capture the Hymettus Mountains and urban sprawl of greater Athens. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf (southeast), Hymettus Mountains (east), Athens urban area (immediate vicinity), Aegean Sea horizon (northeast).
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. Addis Ababa uses runways 03/21 (north-south orientation). Left seats during approach from the north capture the Ethiopian Highlands' dramatic escarpments and the city's elevated plateau setting. The descent path reveals the Addis Ababa basin and surrounding volcanic terrain. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands escarpment (west and north), Addis Ababa plateau (central), volcanic ridges (surrounding terrain), Entoto Mountains (north).
How long is the flight from Athens to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Athinai (HEW) to Bole International (ADD) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Athens to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea (Crete visible as a large island roughly 2 hours into flight), then continues southeast over the Red Sea. The Sinai Peninsula appears as a tan, arid landmass. The Red Sea itself is a narrow, deep blue water body flanked by desert on both sides. As the aircraft approaches Ethiopia, the transition from Red Sea coastal plains to the rising Ethiopian Highlands becomes visible—the terrain shifts from flat, barren desert to increasingly elevated, vegetated plateau with visible escarpments and volcanic formations.