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PVG → ADD
Which side of the plane to sit from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is premier for this route due to the spectacular sunrise views over the Indian Ocean and the superior perspective of the Great Rift Valley escarpments during the morning descent into Addis Ababa.
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Hangzhou Bay
Dramatic coastal views of the East China Sea and the massive Donghai Bridge shortly after takeoff from Pudong.
Yunnan Highlands
The rugged, deep valleys and terraced landscapes of Southern China as the flight heads toward Southeast Asia.
Indian Ocean Sunrise
A stunning, high-altitude sunrise view over the open water as the aircraft crosses the equator toward Africa.
Somali Coastline
The first sight of the African continent, featuring the turquoise waters and white sands of the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopian Escarpment
Dramatic cliffs and jagged peaks of the highlands that rise sharply from the desert floor as you approach the capital.
Great Rift Valley
Aerial views of the iconic geological trench and its chain of lakes visible during the final approach phase.
Book a window seat on the left (A/K depends on aircraft, usually 'A') to witness the sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Since most flights from PVG to ADD are overnight red-eyes, the arrival into Ethiopia happens in the early morning light; the left side provides the best angle for the sunrise colors and the shadows defining the Rift Valley's depth. Ensure your window is clear of frost for the approach into ADD's high-altitude airport.
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Shanghai Cityscape
Depending on takeoff direction, a distant view of the Lujiazui financial district and the winding Huangpu River.
Himalayan Foothills
Distant glimpses of the eastern edges of the Tibetan Plateau if the flight path tracks slightly further north.
Mekong River
The massive, silty vein of the Mekong River winding through the dense jungles of the Indochina Peninsula.
Ogaden Basin
The vast, rust-colored arid expanses of eastern Ethiopia, showcasing unique desert patterns and dry riverbeds.
Addis Ababa Suburbs
The sprawling urban growth and the lush green Entoto Mountains that border the northern edge of the city.
The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer to avoid the direct morning sun during the final hours of the flight. It offers better views of the desert interiors of the Horn of Africa and the northern mountainous outskirts of Addis Ababa. If you are flying during the day (rare for this route), the right side offers views of the Myanmar coastline and the Bay of Bengal's northern reaches.
Book Hotels in Addis AbabaDistance: 8,831 km (5,487 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 23 min
Departure: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Arrival: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Route Type: International
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