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RIX → VKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Daugava river's winding path and the spectacular Latgale lake district, followed by a scenic approach into Moscow's southwestern suburbs.
Daugava River
The route often tracks alongside Latvia's longest river, showing its dramatic bends and hydroelectric dams.
Latgale Lake District
Known as the Land of Blue Lakes, this region offers a mosaic of hundreds of small, glistening bodies of water.
Smolensk Uplands
Rolling hills and historical rural landscapes as the flight crosses into Western Russia.
Vnukovo Approach
Lower altitude views of the Odintsovo district and the dense urban developments of Moscow's western fringe.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun positions itself behind the plane, illuminating the lakes in Latgale without glare. Watch for the distinctive Meshchersky Park during the final descent into VKO.
Riga Old Town
Aerial views of the iconic Art Nouveau architecture and the spire of St. Peter's Church during the initial climb.
Gauja National Park
A glimpse of the lush river valleys and ancient sandstone cliffs located just northeast of the capital.
Lake Peipus
On clear days, the distant northern horizon reveals the massive scale of Europe's fifth-largest lake on the border.
Tver Forests
Dense, uninterrupted expanses of Russian taiga and the beginning of the Valdai Hills transition.
Sit on the left for better views of the Gulf of Riga if taking off towards the north. During winter, the landscape on this side features striking frozen marshlands and snow-dusted pine forests.
Distance: 833 km (518 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Route Type: International
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