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ADD → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the rugged Ethiopian Highlands, the Red Sea coastline, and a dramatic descent over the Italian Peninsula featuring active volcanoes and the Tyrrhenian coast.
Simien Mountains
Rugged, jagged peaks and deep precipices of the UNESCO-listed Ethiopian highlands shortly after takeoff.
Red Sea Coastline
The dramatic meeting point of the Egyptian Eastern Desert and the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Mount Etna
A spectacular view of Europe's most active volcano rising from the island of Sicily.
The Bay of Naples
The stunning coastline of Campania, featuring Mount Vesuvius and the islands of Capri and Ischia.
Tyrrhenian Coast
The picturesque Italian shoreline leading up to Rome, often including views of the Pontine Islands.
The right side is essential for seeing the Italian volcanoes; Mount Etna is usually visible mid-way through the Mediterranean crossing. For morning flights, this side provides excellent lighting for photography of the Ethiopian mountains. During the final approach into FCO, you often get a great view of the Tiber River and the Roman coastline.
Blue Nile River
Aerial views of the Blue Nile as it winds north from the Ethiopian highlands into the Sudanese plains.
Nubian Desert
Expansive vistas of the golden-red sands and rocky outcrops of the eastern Sahara in Sudan and Egypt.
The Nile Delta
The striking contrast between the lush green agricultural land of the Delta and the surrounding arid desert.
Cairo and Giza
On clear days, the sprawling Egyptian capital and the distant silhouette of the Great Pyramids may be visible.
Central Mediterranean
A vast expanse of deep blue sea as the flight crosses from the African coast toward Southern Europe.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the setting sun over the Mediterranean. It is the best side for observing the incredible irrigation patterns along the Nile in Egypt. If the flight path tracks slightly west, you may also catch the lights of Alexandria during night flights.
Distance: 4,481 km (2,784 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 16 min
Departure: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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