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MAG → LAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Madang Airport (Madang) to Nadzab Airport (Nadzab)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning combination of the deep blue Astrolabe Bay, the rugged Rai Coast, and the steep slopes of the Finisterre Range rising directly from the sea.
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Astrolabe Bay
Deep turquoise waters and coral reefs visible immediately after departing Madang.
The Rai Coast
A dramatic, undeveloped coastline where the mountains meet the Bismarck Sea.
Finisterre Range Slopes
Observation of the northern precipitous cliffs of the Finisterre mountains.
Saidor Village
A view of the remote coastal settlements and small tropical bays along the Vitiaz Strait.
Sit on the left for the best coastal views. Choose a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to avoid the heavy cloud cover that typically forms over the Huon Peninsula in the afternoon. Look for the distinct line where the mountain rainforest meets the reef-fringed ocean.
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Finisterre High Peaks
Views of the highest summits of the range, often reaching over 3,000 meters.
Ramu Valley
The vast, flat expanse of the Ramu River system stretching toward the interior.
Markham River
The massive, braided river system that defines the approach into Nadzab.
Wantoat Gap
Deep mountain valleys and high-altitude ridges characterizing the interior terrain.
The right side is best for seeing the sheer scale of the Papua New Guinean highlands. Keep an eye out for the braided channels of the Markham River as you descend; its silver patterns are highly photogenic during the final 10 minutes of the flight.
Book Hotels in NadzabDistance: 184 km (114 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 18 min
Departure: MAG (-5.20707988739, 145.789001465)
Arrival: LAE (-6.569803, 146.725977)
Route Type: Domestic
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