Photo: Ansgar Walk · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
A remote Russian archipelago of 192 ice-covered islands in the Arctic Ocean. The glacial ice caps and polar bear habitat are visible on high-latitude flights between Europe and East Asia.
10Flight Routes
16 kmClosest Pass
🧊 IceType
Routes that pass it10
DEL → MEX
Right
MEX → DEL
Left
BOS → KUL
Left
KUL → BOS
Right
AKL → LHR
Right
LHR → AKL
Left
DXB → YVR
Right
YVR → DXB
Left
DWC → YVR
Right
YVR → DWC
Left
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Franz Josef Land from a plane?
Yes — 10 flight routes pass within 100 km of Franz Josef Land. The closest routes include Delhi to Mexico City, Mexico City to Delhi, Boston to Kuala Lumpur. Sit on the Right side, with the landmark passing about 16 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Franz Josef Land?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Franz Josef Land: on a Delhi to Mexico City flight, sit on the Right side; on a Mexico City to Delhi flight, sit on the Left side; on a Boston to Kuala Lumpur flight, sit on the Left side.