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IST → ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an extraordinary view of the Nile River valley, the sprawling Egyptian capital of Cairo, and the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia.
Search flights from IST to ADD
Cairo and the Nile
A breathtaking view of the green Nile Delta and the massive urban density of Cairo cutting through the desert.
Pyramids of Giza
On clear days, the ancient pyramids are visible as small geometric shapes on the western edge of the Cairo metropolis.
Lake Nasser
The massive, deep blue reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam stretching across the Egyptian-Sudanese border.
Nile Confluence
Near Khartoum, witness the distinct meeting of the White Nile and the Blue Nile rivers.
Simien Mountains
Breathtaking views of the UNESCO-listed peaks, known for their deep precipices and unique basaltic plateaus.
For the best chance to see the Pyramids and the Nile, choose a seat well away from the wing (rows 1-10 or 30+). Evening flights offer a spectacular sunset over the Saharan horizon. Use a flight tracking app to time your viewing of the Simien Mountains about 45 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in Addis AbabaTaurus Mountains
Stunning views of the rugged, snow-capped limestone peaks in southern Turkey shortly after takeoff.
Sinai Peninsula
The harsh, majestic desert landscape and sharp mountain ridges of the Sinai, including views near Mount Sinai.
Red Sea Coastline
A beautiful contrast between the deep turquoise waters of the Red Sea and the barren Eastern Desert of Egypt.
Ethiopian Plateau
The dramatic rise of the Great Rift Valley escarpment as the flight enters Ethiopian airspace.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the sun. It provides a better perspective of the Red Sea's coral reefs and the dramatic ascent into the Ethiopian Highlands. Keep an eye out for the coastal transitions near Port Sudan.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for EthiopiaDistance: 3,725 km (2,315 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 23 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: International
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