While takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into Rio provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Guanabara Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges being far more visually distinctive than the relatively flat Natal departure area.
Flight Path
The flight path proceeds southwest from Natal across the interior plateau region of northeastern Brazil. Notable features include the Borborema Plateau and its escarpments visible during cruise altitude, the São Francisco River valley (though typically too far west for most direct routing), and the transition from semi-arid sertão landscape to the more mountainous terrain approaching Rio de Janeiro. The Paraíba River valley may be visible depending on exact routing. Most of the cruise segment crosses sparsely populated interior terrain with limited distinctive landmarks until approaching the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and its surrounding mountain ranges.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Augusto Severo (NAT) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Natal to Rio De Janeiro. While takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into Rio provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with Guanabara Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges being far more visually distinctive than the relatively flat Natal departure area.
What can I see during takeoff from Augusto Severo in Natal?
During takeoff from Augusto Severo (NAT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and Potengi River estuary as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Natal. The coastal lagoons and beach formations are distinctive and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Potengi River estuary, Atlantic coastline north of Natal, Lagoa de Extremoz, coastal dune formations.
What can I see when landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim in Rio De Janeiro?
When landing at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Guanabara Bay approach, including the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain and the mountainous terrain surrounding Rio de Janeiro during descent. The bay's distinctive geography and coastal mountains are prominent on final approach. Notable sights include: Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), Serra da Carioca mountain range, Niterói across the bay.
How long is the flight from Natal to Rio De Janeiro?
The flight from Augusto Severo (NAT) to Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim (GIG) takes 2h 10m.
What does the Natal to Rio De Janeiro flight path pass over?
The flight path proceeds southwest from Natal across the interior plateau region of northeastern Brazil. Notable features include the Borborema Plateau and its escarpments visible during cruise altitude, the São Francisco River valley (though typically too far west for most direct routing), and the transition from semi-arid sertão landscape to the more mountainous terrain approaching Rio de Janeiro. The Paraíba River valley may be visible depending on exact routing. Most of the cruise segment crosses sparsely populated interior terrain with limited distinctive landmarks until approaching the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area and its surrounding mountain ranges.