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DEL β ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Gulf of Aden, the unique volcanic topography of Djibouti, and the dramatic approach over the steep escarpments of the Ethiopian Highlands.
Aravalli Range
The ancient folded mountain range of Western India providing a textured landscape early in the flight.
Gulf of Kutch
Intricate patterns of tidal flats and industrial salt pans along the coast of Gujarat.
Gulf of Aden
A high-altitude view of one of the world's busiest shipping lanes between the Arabian Peninsula and Africa.
Afar Triangle
The alien-like volcanic landscapes near the Djibouti border, including parts of the Danakil Depression.
Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic green plateaus and deep river gorges as the aircraft climbs onto the high-altitude Ethiopian massif.
Addis Ababa Cityscape
A clear view of the 'Capital of Africa' spread across the hills during the final descent into Bole Airport.
This is the 'scenic' side for the African arrival. During the descent, watch for the sudden change in elevation as the plane transitions from the sea-level desert to the 2,300m high plateau. For the best photography of the highlands, book a flight arriving in the late afternoon.
Delhi Metropolis
Bird's-eye view of the dense urban sprawl and the winding Yamuna River immediately after takeoff.
Thar Desert Fringes
The arid landscapes and salt marshes of Rajasthan and Gujarat before crossing the coastline.
Somali Coastline
The rugged, sandy shores of the Horn of Africa as the plane makes its landfall on the African continent.
Rift Valley Lakes
Distant views of the string of freshwater and soda lakes that dot the Great Rift Valley south of the capital.
Bale Mountains
Potential views of the high-altitude plateaus in southern Ethiopia during the southern approach patterns.
Choose this side on morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. It provides a great view of the Indian coastline leaving the subcontinent and the vastness of the Somali desert upon entering African airspace.
Distance: 4,552 km (2,828 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 21 min
Departure: DEL (28.5665, 77.103104)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: International
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