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RIX → DME
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most scenic views of Latvia's lake district and the best perspective of the Moscow skyline during the typical northern approach patterns into Domodedovo.
Daugava River
View the winding Daugava river as it flows through Riga and out into the Gulf of Riga shortly after takeoff.
Latgale Lake District
Known as the Land of Blue Lakes, this eastern Latvian region provides a stunning mosaic of water and deep green forests.
Russian Taiga
Expansive views of the dense evergreen forests that dominate the landscape between the border and the Moscow region.
Moscow City Skyline
On clear days, the distant skyscrapers of the Moscow-City financial district are visible during the descent from the west.
Sheremetyevo Views
Depending on the flight path, you may catch a high-altitude glimpse of Moscow's northern airports during the bypass.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get the best glare-free photos of the Latvian lakes. This side is also strategic for the 'Moscow loop' arrival where the plane often banks, revealing the city center to the north.
Kemeri National Park
Vast wetlands and ancient moss marshes visible if the aircraft departs toward the west before turning east.
Smolensk Upland
Rolling hills and agricultural patches of the Russian borderlands, showcasing rural industrial settlements.
Zvenigorod Area
Historic landscapes near the Moskva River, dotted with traditional Russian dachas and orthodox church spires.
Podolsk Suburbs
A detailed look at the dense urban planning and industrial zones of the southern Moscow Oblast during final approach.
The right side is excellent for sunset views if you are on an evening flight. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of flight as the aircraft descends over the diverse residential architecture of the southern Moscow outskirts.
Distance: 877 km (545 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)
Route Type: International
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