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CMB → FRA
Which side of the plane to sit from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side (Starboard) is generally superior for this route as it provides the most direct views of the dramatic Zagros Mountains in Iran, the vastness of the Black Sea, and the lush Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe.
Indian West Coast
Bird's eye view of the bustling city of Mumbai and the scenic Konkan coastline.
Zagros Mountains
Stunning, high-altitude ridges and salt domes across Iran that look like textured paintings.
Caspian Sea Basin
Glances of the world's largest inland body of water toward the northern horizon.
Black Sea Coastline
The deep blue waters of the Black Sea meeting the verdant shores of Turkey and Romania.
Carpathian Mountains
Dense forests and winding valleys of the Eastern European mountain range.
German Hinterland
Quaint villages and organized farmland as the plane enters German airspace near the Rhine.
The Right Side is essential for geography enthusiasts. The Zagros Mountains are the highlight; try to stay awake about 4-5 hours into the flight to see them. For the best photos of the Caucasus or Carpathians, ensure you are not seated directly over the wing, which can obstruct the downward view of the mountain valleys.
Laccadive Sea
Vast turquoise waters immediately after takeoff from Colombo as the plane heads northwest.
Arabian Peninsula
Aerial views of the rugged coastlines of Oman and the sweeping dunes of the United Arab Emirates.
Taurus Mountains
The jagged, snow-capped peaks of southern Turkey offering a stark contrast to the Mediterranean blue.
Balkan Peninsulas
Intricate coastlines and historical settlements visible over Greece and Bulgaria.
Frankfurt Approach
Often provides a view of the Frankfurt city skyline and the Main River on the final descent.
Choose the left side if you are flying during the late afternoon to catch a spectacular sunset over the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. This side is also better for avoiding direct solar glare during the mid-day portion of the flight when heading North-West.
Distance: 8,066 km (5,012 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 29 min
Departure: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Route Type: International
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