The landing approach offers more dramatic and sustained views of Samoa's volcanic landscape and the Apolima Strait. The takeoff from Nadi is pleasant but brief; the westbound route over open ocean provides less visual interest than Samoa's arrival.
Flown NAN to APW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nandi to Faleolo is 752 miles (1,211 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the open South Pacific between the two island nations. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers will see scattered cumulus clouds over deep blue ocean with no significant land features visible for roughly 90 minutes of the flight. The International Date Line lies approximately 30 miles east of the route track. No atolls or reefs are visible along the direct track; the ocean appears featureless except for occasional cloud formations and the curvature of the horizon.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAN
RIGHTNadi typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats face west toward the Fiji archipelago's western islands and the open Pacific. Left seats look inland toward Viti Levu's central highlands, which are less visually distinctive during climb-out.
Landing at APW
LEFTSamoa's Faleolo typically uses runway 02 for landings (northbound approach). Left-side seats face west and southwest, offering views of Samoa's western coastline, Upolu island's volcanic profile, and the approach path over the Apolima Strait. Right seats face inland toward the island's interior.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nadi International (NAN) to Faleolo International (APW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nandi to Faleolo. The landing approach offers more dramatic and sustained views of Samoa's volcanic landscape and the Apolima Strait. The takeoff from Nadi is pleasant but brief; the westbound route over open ocean provides less visual interest than Samoa's arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Nadi International in Nandi?
During takeoff from Nadi International (NAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Nadi typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats face west toward the Fiji archipelago's western islands and the open Pacific. Left seats look inland toward Viti Levu's central highlands, which are less visually distinctive during climb-out. Notable sights include: Fiji's western island chain (Yasawa Islands), Viti Levu's northern coastline, the Coral Coast reef system to the south, open Pacific Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Faleolo International in Faleolo?
When landing at Faleolo International (APW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Samoa's Faleolo typically uses runway 02 for landings (northbound approach). Left-side seats face west and southwest, offering views of Samoa's western coastline, Upolu island's volcanic profile, and the approach path over the Apolima Strait. Right seats face inland toward the island's interior. Notable sights include: Upolu island's western volcanic peaks (Mount Vaea region), Apolima Strait, Manono Island, Samoa's reef-fringed coastline.
How long is the flight from Nandi to Faleolo?
The flight from Nadi International (NAN) to Faleolo International (APW) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 752 miles (1,211 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nandi to Faleolo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the open South Pacific between the two island nations. At cruise altitude (around 25,000 feet), passengers will see scattered cumulus clouds over deep blue ocean with no significant land features visible for roughly 90 minutes of the flight. The International Date Line lies approximately 30 miles east of the route track. No atolls or reefs are visible along the direct track; the ocean appears featureless except for occasional cloud formations and the curvature of the horizon.