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CNF → SDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Tancredo Neves International Airport (Belo Horizonte) to Santos Dumont Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a world-class visual approach into Santos Dumont Airport, featuring close-up views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the breathtaking Rio skyline.
Search flights from CNF to SDU
Serra da Mantiqueira
Dramatic high-altitude mountain ranges featuring lush Atlantic Forest vegetation.
Petrópolis
The historic 'Imperial City' nestled in the mountains, visible during the descent sequence.
Maracanã Stadium
One of the world's most famous football stadiums can be spotted as the plane aligns with the city.
Christ the Redeemer
The iconic statue atop Corcovado Mountain is often visible at eye level during the spiral descent.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The plane frequently maneuvers right past this granite peak for a stunning finale before landing.
The right side is essential for the full Rio experience. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. During the 'Curva do Pão de Açúcar' approach to Runway 02R, the plane performs a tight turn around the Sugarloaf; the right side provides the best angle. Late afternoon flights offer incredible 'golden hour' lighting on the Christ statue.
Book Hotels in Rio De JaneiroSerra do Espinhaço
Rugged mountain landscapes visible shortly after departing the Belo Horizonte area.
Paraíba do Sul River
A major winding river that defines the border region between Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states.
Rio-Niterói Bridge
The massive bridge connecting Rio to Niterói is clearly visible during the final descent into Guanabara Bay.
MAC Niterói
The saucer-shaped Museum of Contemporary Art designed by Oscar Niemeyer perched on the Niterói coastline.
Ilha Fiscal
A historic neo-Gothic palace located on a small island within Guanabara Bay just before touchdown.
Sit on the left if you want to see the Niterói coastline and the expansive Atlantic Ocean entrance to the bay. Morning flights are ideal for the left side as the sun rises over the ocean, though glare can be an issue. Watch for the naval ships often anchored in the bay area during the final seconds of flight.
Get eSIMs for Brazil
Get eSIMs for BrazilDistance: 375 km (233 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 38 min
Departure: CNF (-19.62444305419922, -43.97194290161133)
Arrival: SDU (-22.910499572800003, -43.1631011963)
Route Type: Domestic
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