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MSW → ASM
Which side of the plane to sit from Massawa International Airport (Massawa) to Asmara International Airport (Asmara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side offers a superior panoramic view of the Massawa coastline and the dramatic rise of the Eastern Escarpment, including views toward the southern mountains and the historic railway route.
Search flights from MSW to ASM
Massawa Old Port
Aerial view of the historic coral-block buildings and the intricate harbor layout of the 'Pearl of the Red Sea'.
Gulf of Zula
A deep bay to the south where the African Rift Valley meets the sea, visible shortly after takeoff.
Eastern Escarpment
Dramatic vertical cliffs that rise from sea level to over 2,300 meters in just a few dozen kilometers.
Town of Ghinda
A mid-altitude town nestled in a lush valley, famous for its citrus orchards and steep surrounding slopes.
Eritrean Railway
Spot the narrow-gauge tracks and stone bridges of the historic Italian-built railway winding through the mountains.
Sit toward the rear to keep the wing out of your photos of the steep mountain drops. This side is particularly scenic in the morning when the sun illuminates the red-hued cliffs of the highlands. Watch for the sudden transition from desert heat to highland mist as you cross the 1,500m mark.
Get eSIMs for Eritrea
Get eSIMs for Eritrea
Gurgusum Beach
Expansive views of the pristine white sands and turquoise waters stretching north of Massawa.
Filfil Solomuna
The 'Green Belt' of Eritrea, featuring the country's last remaining tropical rainforests on the northern slopes.
Massawa-Asmara Road
The famous winding road snaking up the mountain with dozens of hairpin turns visible from the air.
Northern Highlands
Jagged peaks and deep valleys of the Semienawi Bahri National Park area.
Asmara Plateau
The final approach over the high-altitude plateau revealing the unique Art Deco architecture of the capital.
The right side is best for seeing the 'Green Belt' (Filfil), which is especially vibrant during the rainy season (July-September). It also offers the best view of the incredible engineering of the mountain highway. Use a fast shutter speed to capture the sharp details of the winding roads below.
Book Hotels in AsmaraDistance: 65 km (40 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 min
Departure: MSW (15.670000076293944, 39.37009811401367)
Arrival: ASM (15.291899681091309, 38.91070175170898)
Route Type: Domestic
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