About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kotoka International (ACC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Accra. The left side delivers the dramatic Washington DC departure view which is genuinely one of the best urban takeoff panoramas in the US. The landing view on the right at Accra is excellent, but the DC departure is the highlight of the flight. Passengers who want both should consider switching sides for the final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or 01C/19C, meaning a northward initial climb before turning southeast. The left side captures the Washington DC skyline, the Potomac River, and the National Mall monuments as the aircraft banks south toward the Atlantic. The right side faces suburban Virginia with little of interest. Notable sights include: Washington DC skyline and National Mall, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay (as the route heads southeast), Blue Ridge Mountains to the west briefly visible.
What can I see when landing at Kotoka International in Accra?
When landing at Kotoka International (ACC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Kotoka International typically uses runway 21 for arrivals from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the northeast and lands heading southwest. The right side faces west over Accra's coastline and the Gulf of Guinea, giving a clear view of the city meeting the Atlantic. The left side looks inland over scrubby savanna. Notable sights include: Gulf of Guinea coastline, Accra city center and Jamestown district, Korle Lagoon, Atlantic Ocean surf line along the Gold Coast.
How long is the flight from Washington to Accra?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Kotoka International (ACC) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the Washington to Accra flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the Atlantic, crossing the Tropic of Cancer over open ocean. The Cape Verde Islands may be visible far to the right (east) roughly 6 to 7 hours in if conditions are clear. The flight crosses the equator over the Gulf of Guinea before descending into Accra. The Sahara Desert and West African Sahel are not overflown on this predominantly oceanic routing — the aircraft stays well west of the African continent for most of the journey before turning east toward Ghana.