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ATH → DME
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of Mount Olympus shortly after takeoff and follows the spine of the Carpathian Mountains, providing superior dramatic terrain compared to the eastern plains.
Mount Olympus
Visible roughly 20 minutes after takeoff, the home of the Greek gods dominates the skyline with its jagged peaks.
Carpathian Mountains
Dramatic views of the Transylvanian Alps as the flight crosses Central Romania, featuring snow-capped ridges.
Bucharest
The urban sprawl of the Romanian capital is often clearly visible as the flight enters Eastern European airspace.
Dnieper River
The massive waterway that snakes through the plains of Ukraine, visible as a glittering silver thread from high altitude.
Tula Forests
Lush green woodlands and traditional Russian countryside patterns as you approach the Moscow region.
For morning flights, the left side is shaded, which is ideal for photography without glare. Look out early in the flight (approx. 20-30 mins) for the best mountain views. Use a seat forward of the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the deep valleys of the Balkans.
Aegean Sea Coast
Beautiful views of the Greek coastline and the Chalcidice peninsula shortly after departure from Athens.
Black Sea Shoreline
A long stretch of the Bulgarian and Romanian coastline, where the blue water meets golden sandy beaches.
Port of Constanta
The largest port on the Black Sea is visible with its massive container terminals and breakwaters.
Russian Steppes
Endless agricultural mosaics and vast open plains characteristic of the Southern Russian landscape.
Domodedovo Approaches
Glimpses of the industrial and residential outskirts of Moscow during the final descent into DME.
The right side is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the horizon. During the middle of the flight, keep an eye out for the distinct color change where the Danube delta meets the Black Sea. Note that the sun may be directly in your eyes for a large portion of a northbound morning flight.
Distance: 2,206 km (1,371 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Route Type: International
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