While takeoff offers dramatic island scenery, the landing descent provides more sustained and geographically significant views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and Addis Ababa's plateau setting—a more distinctive and memorable visual experience for the route.
Flown SEZ to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mahe to Addis Ababa is 1,489 miles (2,396 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean northwest across open water for approximately 2.5 hours. Around the midpoint (near 2°N 45°E), you'll be over the Somali Basin with no visible landmarks. As you approach the African coast near 4°N 42°E, the Somali coastline becomes visible. The final 90 minutes involve crossing the Horn of Africa's arid lowlands before ascending into the Ethiopian Highlands. The transition from coastal plains to the highland escarpment is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, typically visible around 1.5 hours before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEZ
RIGHTSEZ typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats offer immediate views of the granitic peaks of Mahé island and the surrounding Indian Ocean archipelago as you climb out over the northeast coast.
Landing at ADD
LEFTADD typically uses runway 25L for arrivals from the southwest. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Ethiopian highlands as you descend into the Addis Ababa basin, including the distinctive escarpment terrain and the city's sprawling layout across the plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seychelles International (SEZ) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mahe to Addis Ababa. While takeoff offers dramatic island scenery, the landing descent provides more sustained and geographically significant views of the Ethiopian Highlands escarpment and Addis Ababa's plateau setting—a more distinctive and memorable visual experience for the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Seychelles International in Mahe?
During takeoff from Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEZ typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats offer immediate views of the granitic peaks of Mahé island and the surrounding Indian Ocean archipelago as you climb out over the northeast coast. Notable sights include: Mahé's northern peaks (Morne Seychellois massif), Silhouette Island to the northwest, St. Anne Marine Park waters to the east, Praslin Island visible in the distance to the northeast.
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. ADD typically uses runway 25L for arrivals from the southwest. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Ethiopian highlands as you descend into the Addis Ababa basin, including the distinctive escarpment terrain and the city's sprawling layout across the plateau. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands escarpment, Addis Ababa city sprawl across the plateau, Entoto Mountains to the north, Awash River valley to the east.
How long is the flight from Mahe to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Seychelles International (SEZ) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,489 miles (2,396 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mahe to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean northwest across open water for approximately 2.5 hours. Around the midpoint (near 2°N 45°E), you'll be over the Somali Basin with no visible landmarks. As you approach the African coast near 4°N 42°E, the Somali coastline becomes visible. The final 90 minutes involve crossing the Horn of Africa's arid lowlands before ascending into the Ethiopian Highlands. The transition from coastal plains to the highland escarpment is the most visually dramatic midpoint feature, typically visible around 1.5 hours before landing.