The right side scores higher due to the Ethiopian Highlands approach, which offers dramatic volcanic plateau terrain, significant elevation changes, and distinctive escarpment geography during the final descent. While Gatwick's left-side departure provides some Thames and North Downs interest, it cannot match the visual drama of Addis Ababa's highland approach. The landing experience on the right side is substantially more scenic than the takeoff on either side.
Flown LGW to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Addis Ababa is 3,655 miles (5,883 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of France/Spain visible early), then transitions over North Africa: the Sahara Desert dominates the central cruise phase with vast sand seas and occasional rocky outcrops. The Atlas Mountains appear as a distant ridge in the south. As the aircraft approaches Ethiopia, the terrain transitions from flat desert to the increasingly dramatic Ethiopian Highlands with visible volcanic features and deep rift valleys. The Blue Nile gorge and surrounding plateau topography become prominent in the final approach phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTLondon departure offers urban scenery and the Thames estuary. Left side captures the Greater London sprawl, suburban patchwork, and the North Downs escarpment rising inland—more visual interest than the right side's flat agricultural plains.
Landing at ADD
RIGHTAddis Ababa's approach from the east reveals the Ethiopian Highlands dramatically. The right side captures the escarpment edge, volcanic plateaus, and the city nestled at 7,600 feet elevation. The left side shows flatter terrain and less distinctive geography during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Addis Ababa. The right side scores higher due to the Ethiopian Highlands approach, which offers dramatic volcanic plateau terrain, significant elevation changes, and distinctive escarpment geography during the final descent. While Gatwick's left-side departure provides some Thames and North Downs interest, it cannot match the visual drama of Addis Ababa's highland approach. The landing experience on the right side is substantially more scenic than the takeoff on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. London departure offers urban scenery and the Thames estuary. Left side captures the Greater London sprawl, suburban patchwork, and the North Downs escarpment rising inland—more visual interest than the right side's flat agricultural plains. Notable sights include: Thames estuary and London urban area, North Downs ridge, English Channel coastline (distant).
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Addis Ababa's approach from the east reveals the Ethiopian Highlands dramatically. The right side captures the escarpment edge, volcanic plateaus, and the city nestled at 7,600 feet elevation. The left side shows flatter terrain and less distinctive geography during descent. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands escarpment, Addis Ababa city sprawl, volcanic plateau terrain, Entoto Mountains (northern approach).
How long is the flight from London to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,655 miles (5,883 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean (southern coast of France/Spain visible early), then transitions over North Africa: the Sahara Desert dominates the central cruise phase with vast sand seas and occasional rocky outcrops. The Atlas Mountains appear as a distant ridge in the south. As the aircraft approaches Ethiopia, the terrain transitions from flat desert to the increasingly dramatic Ethiopian Highlands with visible volcanic features and deep rift valleys. The Blue Nile gorge and surrounding plateau topography become prominent in the final approach phase.