Both departure and arrival favor the right side, which tracks the northeastern Brazilian coastline with estuaries, dunes, and mangrove deltas, while the left side mostly overlooks flat interior scrubland with little visual interest.
Flown NAT to SLZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Natal to Sao Luis is 649 miles (1,045 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
The route stays close to the coast for much of the flight, passing over the shoreline near Fortaleza's outskirts and the river deltas of Ceará and western Maranhão before descending toward São Luís.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from NAT
RIGHTDeparting NAT to the west, the right side gives passengers a view of the Rio Grande do Norte coastline and the mouth of the Rio Potengi falling away behind, plus the reddish dunes near Genipabu as the aircraft climbs out over the coast before turning inland toward Maranhão.
Landing at SLZ
RIGHTThe approach into SLZ typically comes in from the east along the Maranhão coast, giving right-side passengers a view of the intricate mangrove channels, sandbars, and the wide Baía de São Marcos before the final turn onto the runway.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) to Marechal Cunha Machado (SLZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Natal to Sao Luis. Both departure and arrival favor the right side, which tracks the northeastern Brazilian coastline with estuaries, dunes, and mangrove deltas, while the left side mostly overlooks flat interior scrubland with little visual interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport in Natal?
During takeoff from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing NAT to the west, the right side gives passengers a view of the Rio Grande do Norte coastline and the mouth of the Rio Potengi falling away behind, plus the reddish dunes near Genipabu as the aircraft climbs out over the coast before turning inland toward Maranhão. Notable sights include: Rio Potengi estuary, Natal coastline and beaches, Genipabu dunes, Atlantic shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Marechal Cunha Machado in Sao Luis?
When landing at Marechal Cunha Machado (SLZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach into SLZ typically comes in from the east along the Maranhão coast, giving right-side passengers a view of the intricate mangrove channels, sandbars, and the wide Baía de São Marcos before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Baía de São Marcos, mangrove-lined river channels, São Luís city and port, coastal sandbars.
How long is the flight from Natal to Sao Luis?
The flight from Rio Grande do Norte/São Gonçalo do Amarante–Governador Aluízio Alves International Airport (NAT) to Marechal Cunha Machado (SLZ) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 649 miles (1,045 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Natal to Sao Luis flight path pass over?
The route stays close to the coast for much of the flight, passing over the shoreline near Fortaleza's outskirts and the river deltas of Ceará and western Maranhão before descending toward São Luís.