Right-side seats capture the dramatic Alpine scenery during departure, which is the most visually striking segment of this route. While the landing approach over the Ethiopian Highlands is interesting, the Alps offer more dramatic vertical relief and snow-covered peaks. The long middle section over the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Sudan offers limited distinctive features from either side.
Flown MXP to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milano to Addis Ababa is 3,097 miles (4,984 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea south of Corsica and Sardinia, then passes over Tunisia (Atlas Mountains visible from either side depending on exact routing), Libya's coastal plains, and Egypt's Nile Delta and Red Sea region. The aircraft then crosses the Red Sea and enters Sudan, passing over the Nile valley and Sudanese plains before reaching the Ethiopian Highlands. The Nile is the most consistently visible landmark along the route, appearing as a thin green ribbon through desert terrain. The Red Sea crossing offers open water views with occasional glimpses of the Arabian Peninsula to the east.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MXP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps during the initial climb-out from Malpensa. The aircraft departs northwestward, and the snow-capped peaks of the western Alps become visible within minutes of takeoff as the plane gains altitude over Lombardy.
Landing at ADD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the east. The aircraft descends over the Entoto Mountains and the high plateau terrain surrounding the city, with the urban sprawl of Addis Ababa visible on the final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Malpensa (MXP) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milano to Addis Ababa. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Alpine scenery during departure, which is the most visually striking segment of this route. While the landing approach over the Ethiopian Highlands is interesting, the Alps offer more dramatic vertical relief and snow-covered peaks. The long middle section over the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Sudan offers limited distinctive features from either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Malpensa in Milano?
During takeoff from Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alps during the initial climb-out from Malpensa. The aircraft departs northwestward, and the snow-capped peaks of the western Alps become visible within minutes of takeoff as the plane gains altitude over Lombardy. Notable sights include: Western Alps (Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso massif), Lake Maggiore, Po River valley, Ticino River.
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 provide views of the Ethiopian highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the east. The aircraft descends over the Entoto Mountains and the high plateau terrain surrounding the city, with the urban sprawl of Addis Ababa visible on the final approach. Notable sights include: Entoto Mountains, Ethiopian Highlands plateau, Addis Ababa urban area, Awash River valley (distant).
How long is the flight from Milano to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Malpensa (MXP) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,097 miles (4,984 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milano to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea south of Corsica and Sardinia, then passes over Tunisia (Atlas Mountains visible from either side depending on exact routing), Libya's coastal plains, and Egypt's Nile Delta and Red Sea region. The aircraft then crosses the Red Sea and enters Sudan, passing over the Nile valley and Sudanese plains before reaching the Ethiopian Highlands. The Nile is the most consistently visible landmark along the route, appearing as a thin green ribbon through desert terrain. The Red Sea crossing offers open water views with occasional glimpses of the Arabian Peninsula to the east.