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ASW → ABS
Which side of the plane to sit from Aswan International Airport (Aswan) to Abu Simbel Airport (Abu Simbel)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the sprawling Lake Nasser and the iconic Abu Simbel temples during the descent.
Lake Nasser
Uninterrupted views of one of the world's largest man-made reservoirs throughout the entire flight.
Aswan High Dam
Visible immediately after takeoff, showcasing the engineering marvel that created the lake.
Abu Simbel Temples
The Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari are often visible on the shoreline during the final approach.
Nubian Shoreline
The stark contrast between the deep blue water and the rugged, arid desert cliffs of the east bank.
Desert Islands
Numerous rocky outcroppings and islands dotting the reservoir, formerly hilltops before the flooding.
Book an early morning flight (around 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) to see the temples illuminated by the rising sun, which faces directly East. Seats behind the wing provide the clearest downward view of the temples as the pilot usually performs a gentle bank for sightseeing before landing.
Western Desert
An endless expanse of the Sahara, featuring massive golden sand dunes and wind-sculpted rock formations.
Abu Simbel Road
The lonely desert highway that connects Aswan to the Sudanese border, visible as a thin line through the sand.
Toshka Project
In the distance, you can see circular green patches of the massive land reclamation and irrigation project.
Saharan Horizon
Stunning atmospheric clarity over the desert, ideal for seeing the vast curvature of the earth.
While less scenic for landmarks, the right side avoids the direct glare of the morning sun during the southbound journey. This side is better for observing the 'mirage' effects over the hot desert sands and the unique geology of the Western Desert plateaus.
Distance: 216 km (134 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: ASW (23.964399337800003, 32.8199996948)
Arrival: ABS (22.3759994507, 31.611700058)
Route Type: Domestic
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