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DLA ā BRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Douala International Airport (Douala) to Brussels Airport (Brussels)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this northbound journey, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Cameroon shortly after takeoff and a stunning perspective of the Western Mediterranean islands and the French coastline.
Mount Cameroon
The highest peak in West and Central Africa is visible shortly after departing Douala, rising majestically from the coast.
Gulf of Guinea Coastline
The intricate meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the dense tropical forests of the West African coast.
Grand Erg Occidental
Massive, shifting orange sand dunes of the Algerian Sahara stretching toward the horizon.
Sardinia and Corsica
Clear views of the rugged, mountainous terrain and turquoise coastlines of these Mediterranean islands.
French Countryside
The orderly patchwork of vineyards and farmland in central France as you descend toward Belgium.
Paris Peripheral
Depending on the flight path, a distant view of the Paris metropolitan area and its iconic layout.
On a daytime flight, the left side avoids the harshest direct sunlight in the morning. Keep your eyes peeled within the first 10 minutes of takeoff for Mount Cameroon. For the Mediterranean crossing, usually around 4-5 hours into the flight, the islands of Sardinia and Corsica offer fantastic photo opportunities. Use a polarising filter if possible to cut through the haze over the Sahara.
Adamawa Plateau
The volcanic and savanna landscapes of northern Cameroon and eastern Nigeria.
AĆÆr Mountains
A striking triangular massif in Niger, known for its dark volcanic rock contrasting with yellow desert sands.
Hoggar Mountains
Ancient, jagged volcanic peaks in the heart of the Algerian Sahara, including the famous Assekrem.
Ligurian Sea
Vibrant blue waters as the flight transitions from the African continent to the European mainland.
The Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss and French Alps are visible on the far eastern horizon.
The Ardennes
The rolling green hills and dense forests of southern Belgium and Luxembourg during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for morning departures to catch the sunrise over the African interior. It provides the best views of the unique Saharan rock formations like the Hoggar Mountains. Be aware that the sun will be strong on this side for the first half of a northbound daylight flight. During winter months, the contrast between the Sahara and the snow-dusted Alps in the distance is particularly striking.
Distance: 5,237 km (3,254 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 10 min
Departure: DLA (4.0060801506, 9.71947956085)
Arrival: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)
Route Type: International
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