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DIR → ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Aba Tenna Dejazmach Yilma International Airport (Dire Dawa) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a spectacular view of the Great Rift Valley's dramatic escarpments, active volcanic features like Mount Fentale, and the winding Awash River basin.
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Rift Valley Escarpment
The sharp geographical drop-off where the Ethiopian Highlands meet the valley floor.
Mount Fentale
A massive, dormant stratovolcano with a prominent caldera and visible ancient lava flows.
Lake Basaka
A growing saline lake that reflects a deep blue-green color against the dark volcanic soil.
Awash National Park
Aerial views of the sprawling savannah and the deep gorges carved by the Awash River.
Entoto Mountains
The eucalyptus-covered hills that overlook the northern part of Addis Ababa during landing.
The right side provides the best geological tour of the Rift Valley. Keep your camera ready about mid-way through the 45-minute flight to capture the Fentale crater. Late afternoon flights offer golden-hour lighting that emphasizes the dramatic textures of the volcanic terrain.
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Ahmar Mountains
Rugged mountain ranges visible immediately after takeoff from Dire Dawa.
Chercher Highlands
High-altitude landscapes featuring traditional Ethiopian terraced farming and lush valleys.
Mount Zuqualla
An extinct volcano with a crater lake at its summit, located south of the approach path.
Bishoftu Crater Lakes
Clusters of circular volcanic lakes near the city of Debre Zeyit as you descend.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The most impressive views of the highland plateaus and the hidden crater lakes appear during the final 15 minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Ethiopia
Get eSIMs for EthiopiaDistance: 343 km (213 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: DIR (9.624699592590332, 41.85419845581055)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: Domestic
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