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HAV → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from José Martí International Airport (Havana) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic landscapes of the North Atlantic, including the southern tip of Greenland, the volcanic terrain of Iceland, and the majestic fjords of Norway, topped with high potential for the Aurora Borealis on night flights.
Greenland Icecap
Vast, shimmering glaciers and jagged white peaks visible as you cross the southern tip of the world's largest island.
Icelandic Landscapes
Rugged volcanic coastlines, steam from geothermal areas, and snowy peaks often visible on the northern trajectory.
Norwegian Fjords
Deep blue water inlets carved into dramatic mountains as the flight enters European airspace near the Arctic Circle.
Aurora Borealis
On night flights during winter months, this side provides the best view of the Northern Lights dancing across the subarctic sky.
Northern Russian Taiga
As the plane descends toward Moscow, vast stretches of pristine coniferous forests and meandering rivers come into view.
To maximize the Greenland and Iceland views, choose a flight departing Havana in the morning. For winter travelers, the left side is essential for spotting the Aurora Borealis over the North Atlantic. Keep your window shade down during sleep periods, but use a flight tracker to wake up for the Greenland crossing, which usually occurs 5-7 hours into the flight.
Newfoundland Coast
The rocky eastern edge of Canada is often the first landmass seen after the initial Atlantic crossing.
Baltic Sea Coastline
Clear views of the blue Baltic waters and the northern coastlines of Germany, Poland, and the Baltic States.
St. Petersburg & Gulf of Finland
Often passes near the historic city of St. Petersburg, offering views of the Neva River delta and the Peter and Paul Fortress.
Moscow Outskirts
A detailed view of the expanding Moscow suburbs and the circular highway systems during the final approach to SVO.
The right side is better for those who prefer urban geography and coastal views of the Baltic region. On the final approach into Sheremetyevo, the right side often provides a clearer view of the Moscow skyline depending on the landing pattern. Use a polarizer filter on your camera to cut through the atmospheric haze when photographing the Baltic coastline.
Distance: 9,577 km (5,951 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 16 min
Departure: HAV (22.989200592041016, -82.40910339355469)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: International
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