Loading map...
RIX → KIV
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Chişinău International Airport (Chisinau)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior viewing experience, featuring the shimmering Baltic coastline shortly after takeoff, the sprawling Masurian Lake District in Poland, and the distant, dramatic ridges of the Eastern Carpathians.
Baltic Sea Coastline
Stunning views of the sandy beaches stretching south from Jurmala toward the Lithuanian border.
Masurian Lake District
A spectacular mosaic of thousands of lakes and waterways in northeastern Poland, often sparkling in sunlight.
Eastern Carpathian Ridges
On clear days, the jagged peaks of the Ukrainian and Romanian Carpathians are visible on the southwestern horizon.
Prut River Valley
The winding river that defines the border between Romania and Moldova, cutting through fertile floodplains.
Central European Sunset
Perfect positioning for evening flights to catch the sun setting over the western horizon of the continent.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch a brilliant sunset. Due to current airspace restrictions requiring a detour around Ukraine, the flight path often veers further west over Poland and Romania, making the Carpathian mountain views much more likely. Look for the glint of the Vistula River if the path trends west.
Riga City & Daugava River
Aerial view of the Latvian capital's historic center and the wide Daugava River snaking toward the gulf.
Aukštaitija National Park
Lush pine forests and hidden lakes of eastern Lithuania visible shortly after crossing the border.
Codru Vineyards
The rolling green hills and extensive vineyards of central Moldova as the plane begins its final descent.
Chişinău Outskirts
The Soviet-era architecture and modern expansion of the Moldovan capital during the approach to KIV.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Eastern European plains. This side provides a better view of the agricultural patterns of the Moldovan plateau during the landing phase. Keep an eye out for the distinct white limestone cliffs near Orheiul Vechi.
Distance: 1,162 km (722 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: KIV (46.92770004272461, 28.93099975585937)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.