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ABV → PHC
Which side of the plane to sit from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja) to Port Harcourt International Airport (Port Hartcourt)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a more consistent view of the Niger River's majestic path and the intricate, labyrinthine waterways of the Niger Delta as you approach the coast.
Niger River Meanders
Spectacular views of the river's wide curves and silt-heavy waters flowing towards the Atlantic.
Onitsha Bridge
A clear view of the iconic bridge connecting the eastern and western parts of the country.
Mangrove Swamps
The dense, dark green canopy of the mangrove forests interlaced with silver-colored creeks.
Oil Infrastructure
Spot the clusters of pipelines and industrial sites that form the backbone of the region's economy.
Riverine Villages
Small communities built right on the edge of the water, only accessible by boat.
The right side is ideal for photographers; sit several rows ahead of or behind the wing to capture the river's full scale. During the rainy season, the delta looks particularly vibrant, but the dry 'harmattan' season (Dec-Feb) may obscure views with dust. Watch for the Onitsha bridge roughly 30-35 minutes after takeoff.
Lokoja Confluence
Witness the geographic spectacle where the Benue and Niger rivers merge into a single massive waterway.
Kogi Highlands
Aerial views of the rugged terrain and rolling hills characteristic of the middle belt region.
Gas Flares
Observe the bright orange glows from oil and gas processing facilities across the Delta region.
Aba Skyline
On clear days, the distant but dense urban sprawl of the commercial hub Aba is visible to the east.
Morning flights are preferable to avoid the afternoon haze common in the Niger Delta. Watch the landscape transition from the dry savannah of the north to the lush, humid greenery of the south. Look for the distinct color difference in the waters at the Lokoja confluence.
Distance: 445 km (277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: ABV (9.006790161132812, 7.263169765472412)
Arrival: PHC (5.0154900550842285, 6.94959020614624)
Route Type: Domestic
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