Right-side seats provide superior scenery at both ends of the journey. The Hong Kong departure offers dramatic harbor and urban views, while the approach to Addis Ababa still captures significant highland terrain. The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean and Arabian Peninsula, where right-side views generally capture more distinctive coastal and mountain features.
Flown HKG to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Addis Ababa is 5,037 miles (8,107 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea and passes over the Arabian Peninsula. Notable features include the Oman coastline and the Hajar Mountains along the Gulf of Oman (visible during the first 3-4 hours), followed by the interior desert plateau of the Arabian Peninsula. The Red Sea becomes visible around the midpoint, with the Eritrean coast and highlands appearing as the aircraft approaches the Horn of Africa. The Djibouti region and the transition from coastal lowlands to the Ethiopian Highlands occur during the final 2-3 hours of flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs out over Hong Kong Island. The contrast between urban development and surrounding water bodies creates strong visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at ADD
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands and the approach into Addis Ababa from the east. The terrain transitions from high plateau to the city's elevated location, with the surrounding escarpment and valleys visible during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Addis Ababa. Right-side seats provide superior scenery at both ends of the journey. The Hong Kong departure offers dramatic harbor and urban views, while the approach to Addis Ababa still captures significant highland terrain. The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean and Arabian Peninsula, where right-side views generally capture more distinctive coastal and mountain features.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Victoria Harbour waterfront and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft climbs out over Hong Kong Island. The contrast between urban development and surrounding water bodies creates strong visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island skyline, South China Sea.
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. Left-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands and the approach into Addis Ababa from the east. The terrain transitions from high plateau to the city's elevated location, with the surrounding escarpment and valleys visible during descent. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands plateau, Addis Ababa urban area, Entoto Mountains, surrounding valleys and ridgelines.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,037 miles (8,107 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea and passes over the Arabian Peninsula. Notable features include the Oman coastline and the Hajar Mountains along the Gulf of Oman (visible during the first 3-4 hours), followed by the interior desert plateau of the Arabian Peninsula. The Red Sea becomes visible around the midpoint, with the Eritrean coast and highlands appearing as the aircraft approaches the Horn of Africa. The Djibouti region and the transition from coastal lowlands to the Ethiopian Highlands occur during the final 2-3 hours of flight.