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HIR → ATD
Which side of the plane to sit from Honiara International Airport (Honiara) to Uru Harbour Airport (Atoifi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the historic Ironbottom Sound upon departure, a distant glimpse of the Florida Islands, and the most dramatic approach into the turquoise waters of Uru Harbour.
Ironbottom Sound
View the waters north of Honiara, famous for the numerous WWII shipwrecks and naval battles.
Florida Islands
Spot the Ngella Group in the distance to the north as you cross the Indispensable Strait.
Indispensable Strait
The deep blue corridor separating Guadalcanal and Malaita, often featuring vibrant coral reefs near the coastlines.
Uru Harbour Entry
A stunning perspective of the sheltered harbour and coastal settlements as the plane descends into Atoifi.
Malaita Mangroves
Intricate patterns of mangrove forests and shallow lagoons along the eastern Malaita shore.
Sit on the left for the best view of Honiara's coastline after takeoff. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, highlighting the turquoise hues of the reefs without glare. Keep your camera ready as soon as the descent begins, as the transition from the strait to the harbour is very quick.
Guadalcanal Ridges
Views of the rugged, jungle-clad mountains of central Guadalcanal shortly after departure.
Lunga River
Watch the winding path of the Lunga River as it snakes through the plains toward the sea.
Southern Malaita Interior
Aerial views of the dense, unexplored tropical rainforests and high ridges of southern Malaita.
Cloud Forests
Frequent sightings of mist and clouds clinging to the peaks of Malaita's central mountain range.
The right side is excellent for viewing the interior topography of the islands. If flying in the afternoon, this side may experience more shadows from the mountains. This side is better if you prefer looking at dense forest landscapes rather than ocean reefs.
Distance: 122 km (76 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: HIR (-9.4280004501343, 160.05499267578)
Arrival: ATD (-8.873330000000001, 161.011002)
Route Type: Domestic
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