Washington to Maroantsetra flight pathIADWMN

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Flight time19h 00m
Distance8,866
Heading078° → 128°

Washington to Maroantsetra is 8,866 miles (14,268 km), a flight of about 19 hours.

Best side
LeftMostly left

The left side wins overall. The DC departure views are genuinely spectacular and the flight path arcing southeast over the Atlantic and then across Africa puts the left side facing the continent for much of the overland segment, including views over the East African coast and eventually the Mozambique Channel approach to Madagascar.

Takeoff · IADLEFTPotomac River corridor, Washington DC skyline and National Mall, Tysons Corner urban cluster
Landing · WMNRIGHTBay of Antongil, Masoala Peninsula rainforest, Maroantsetra town and river delta

Flight Path

Flight path overview

North Atlantic Ocean crossing, Mediterranean Sea near the Strait of Sicily or over Egypt depending on routing, Nile River delta visible from altitude, Red Sea crossing, Ethiopian Highlands around Addis Ababa, East African Rift Valley lakes including Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria visible in the distance, Mozambique Channel, and the northeast Madagascar coastline descending into Maroantsetra

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Washington (left side) — Potomac River corridor, Washington DC skyline and National Mall, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west

Takeoff from IAD

LEFT

Dulles typically departs east on runway 01R/19L or runway 01C, meaning a northward initial climb. Left side gives you a view south toward the Potomac River, the Washington DC skyline, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. The Capitol dome and National Mall are visible on clear days as you bank southeast.

Potomac River corridorWashington DC skyline and National MallTysons Corner urban clusterShenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west

Landing at WMN

RIGHT

Maroantsetra's runway 12/30 typically sees approaches from the northwest over the Bay of Antongil. Landing on runway 12 (heading southeast), the right side faces northeast over the bay and the Masoala Peninsula, which is visually dramatic — a densely forested peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean. Left side faces inland toward jungle hills.

Bay of AntongilMasoala Peninsula rainforestMaroantsetra town and river deltaIndian Ocean coastline

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Maroantsetra (WMN)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Maroantsetra. The left side wins overall. The DC departure views are genuinely spectacular and the flight path arcing southeast over the Atlantic and then across Africa puts the left side facing the continent for much of the overland segment, including views over the East African coast and eventually the Mozambique Channel approach to Madagascar.

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 runway 01C, meaning a northward initial climb. Left side gives you a view south toward the Potomac River, the Washington DC skyline, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. The Capitol dome and National Mall are visible on clear days as you bank southeast. Notable sights include: Potomac River corridor, Washington DC skyline and National Mall, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Shenandoah Valley ridgelines to the west.

What can I see when landing at Maroantsetra in Maroantsetra?

When landing at Maroantsetra (WMN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Maroantsetra's runway 12/30 typically sees approaches from the northwest over the Bay of Antongil. Landing on runway 12 (heading southeast), the right side faces northeast over the bay and the Masoala Peninsula, which is visually dramatic — a densely forested peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean. Left side faces inland toward jungle hills. Notable sights include: Bay of Antongil, Masoala Peninsula rainforest, Maroantsetra town and river delta, Indian Ocean coastline.

How long is the flight from Washington to Maroantsetra?

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Maroantsetra (WMN) takes about 19 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 8,866 miles (14,268 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Washington to Maroantsetra flight path pass over?

North Atlantic Ocean crossing, Mediterranean Sea near the Strait of Sicily or over Egypt depending on routing, Nile River delta visible from altitude, Red Sea crossing, Ethiopian Highlands around Addis Ababa, East African Rift Valley lakes including Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria visible in the distance, Mozambique Channel, and the northeast Madagascar coastline descending into Maroantsetra