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MEG destination photo
LAD destination photo

MEGLAD

Which side of the plane to sit from Malanje Airport (Malanje) to Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (Luanda)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Cuanza River and the stunning Mussulo Peninsula as you descend into Luanda.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Cuanza River Basin

Aerial views of Angola's most significant river as it winds through the central plateau toward the Atlantic.

⚡

Capanda Dam

Look for the massive reservoir and hydroelectric infrastructure shortly after departing Malanje.

🌿

Quiçama National Park

The northern fringes of this vast park offer a look at the transition from plateau forest to coastal savanna.

🏖️

Mussulo Peninsula

On final approach, you get an excellent view of the long, sandy spit and the turquoise lagoons south of the city.

For morning flights, the sun will be behind you on the left side, providing the best lighting for photography of the Cuanza River. Request a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion when capturing the Mussulo Peninsula during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
⛰️

The Escarpment

Watch the dramatic drop in elevation as the flight moves from the high Malanje plateau toward the coastal plains.

🏢

Luanda Urban Sprawl

A comprehensive view of the rapid expansion and dense architecture of Viana and the city's eastern suburbs.

⚓

Port of Luanda

Clear views of the heavy shipping traffic and the industrial heart of the capital just before touchdown.

Sit on the right for a better perspective of Luanda's massive urban growth. Be aware that afternoon flights may experience significant glare on this side as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Keep an eye out for the Kalandula Falls far to the North-West during the first 10 minutes of flight, though they are often obscured by cloud cover.

Top Activities in Luanda
Route Information

Distance: 346 km (215 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 35 min

Departure: MEG (-9.525090217590332, 16.312400817871097)

Arrival: LAD (-8.858369999999999, 13.2312)

Route Type: Domestic

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