Loading map...

HAV destination photo
LAD destination photo

HAVLAD

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer a scenic departure from Havana, the Right Side is superior for the arrival into Luanda, providing stunning views of the Angolan coastline and the unique geography of the Mussulo Peninsula.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏖️

Varadero Peninsula

A clear view of the long, thin strip of white sand and turquoise water as you head east along the Cuban coast.

🌅

South Atlantic Sunset

Breathtaking sunset views over the open ocean, as the sun sets behind the aircraft's path.

🏜️

Angolan Escarpment

The dramatic transition from the Atlantic Ocean to the arid, reddish landscapes of the Angolan coast.

🏝️

Mussulo Peninsula

A stunning view of the 30km long sandspit that creates a calm lagoon south of Luanda's city center.

🏙️

Luanda Skyline

Direct views of the Ilha do Cabo and the rapidly developing high-rise skyline of the Angolan capital during descent.

The right side is essential for the arrival sequence into Luanda. Most approaches to LAD come from the north or west, putting the city and the iconic Mussulo spit on the right. Note that afternoon flights will experience significant sun glare on this side during the trans-Atlantic portion, so keep your window shade down until the descent begins.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🇨🇺

Havana Bay

Excellent views of the Morro Castle and the dense urban layout of Old Havana immediately after takeoff.

🏝️

Bahamian Archipelago

Depending on the flight path, you may see the southern islands of the Bahamas with their vibrant coral reefs.

🌊

Gulf of Guinea

As the flight approaches Africa, look for the deep blue waters where the Atlantic meets the West African shelf.

🌍

The Congo Plume

If the route stays close to the coast, you can see the massive brown sediment plume of the Congo River entering the ocean.

☁️

Equatorial Clouds

Dramatic towering cumulonimbus formations typical of the Intertropical Convergence Zone.

Sit on the left for the best views of Havana’s historic center during departure. Since this is an eastbound flight, the left side will be North-facing, offering more consistent indirect lighting and less glare during the day. Keep an eye out for the African coastline roughly 2 hours before landing.

Top Activities in Luanda
Route Information

Distance: 10,964 km (6,813 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 54 min

Departure: HAV (22.989200592041016, -82.40910339355469)

Arrival: LAD (-8.858369999999999, 13.2312)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.