MES

Best window seat at Soewondo Air Force Base

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Deli River delta, Belawan port, Strait of Malacca coastline

LandingRIGHT

Barisan Mountain foothills to the southwest, Deli River winding through Medan's outskirts, patchwork of oil palm and rubber plantations

🛫 Taking Off from Medan (MES)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting northeast on runway 05, the left side gives you a view over Medan's flat delta toward the Belawan port area and the Strait of Malacca coastline in the distance. The right side mostly shows featureless plantation land with no strong landmarks.
Look forDeli River delta, Belawan port, Strait of Malacca coastline, Medan's urban sprawl below

🛬 Landing at Medan (MES)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 05 means you're flying in from the southwest before turning onto the northeast-facing final approach. During that turn and descent, the right side gives you a clear look back toward the Barisan Mountain foothills and the hilly interior of North Sumatra, while the left side mostly just shows flat city sprawl.
Look forBarisan Mountain foothills to the southwest, Deli River winding through Medan's outskirts, patchwork of oil palm and rubber plantations, distant haze toward the Strait of Malacca on the horizon

Soewondo Air Force Base is a military airfield that took over some domestic commercial operations after Medan's old Polonia Airport closed, offering a single asphalt runway and minimal passenger facilities compared to the region's main hub, Kualanamu International Airport (KNO).

⛰️ Elevation115 ft
🛫 Runways1 (05/23)
📍 NearbyKNO 15 miLSR 57 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Soewondo Air Force Base (MES)?

At Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Deli River delta, Belawan port, Strait of Malacca coastline, Medan's urban sprawl below.

What can I see during takeoff from Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan?

When taking off from Soewondo Air Force Base (MES), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing northeast on runway 05, the left side gives you a view over Medan's flat delta toward the Belawan port area and the Strait of Malacca coastline in the distance. The right side mostly shows featureless plantation land with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Deli River delta, Belawan port, Strait of Malacca coastline, Medan's urban sprawl below.

What can I see when landing at Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan?

When landing at Soewondo Air Force Base (MES), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 05 means you're flying in from the southwest before turning onto the northeast-facing final approach. During that turn and descent, the right side gives you a clear look back toward the Barisan Mountain foothills and the hilly interior of North Sumatra, while the left side mostly just shows flat city sprawl. Notable sights include: Barisan Mountain foothills to the southwest, Deli River winding through Medan's outskirts, patchwork of oil palm and rubber plantations, distant haze toward the Strait of Malacca on the horizon.

What factors affect the best window seat at Soewondo Air Force Base?

The best window seat at Soewondo Air Force Base (MES) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Medan (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.