Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Cairo it captures the Pyramids and the Nile, and over Washington it picks up the Potomac and the DC skyline on approach. During the mid-flight cruise over the Mediterranean and Atlantic there is little to differentiate sides, but the bookend views make left the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown CAI to IAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cairo to Washington is 5,830 miles (9,383 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
After departing Cairo the route crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passing north of Libya and Tunisia, then over the Strait of Gibraltar or southern Spain. The flight then crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of the Azores. The final leg crosses the US East Coast over the Carolinas or Virginia before descending into Dulles. The Mediterranean crossing offers occasional views of the North African coastline and, depending on routing, the Iberian Peninsula.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAI
LEFTCairo International typically departs northwest on runway 05R/23L or northeast on 05L/23R. On a westbound departure toward IAD, the aircraft will bank left (south), giving left-side passengers a direct view over central Cairo, the Nile, and the Giza Plateau with the pyramids clearly visible. Right side faces the desert suburbs northeast of the city.
Landing at IAD
LEFTDulles typically lands on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. On a standard approach from the east or northeast, left-side passengers get views over the Virginia suburbs, the Potomac River, and on clear days the Washington DC skyline to the northeast. Right side faces west into rural Virginia with little of note.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cairo International (CAI) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cairo to Washington. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over Cairo it captures the Pyramids and the Nile, and over Washington it picks up the Potomac and the DC skyline on approach. During the mid-flight cruise over the Mediterranean and Atlantic there is little to differentiate sides, but the bookend views make left the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Cairo International in Cairo?
During takeoff from Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cairo International typically departs northwest on runway 05R/23L or northeast on 05L/23R. On a westbound departure toward IAD, the aircraft will bank left (south), giving left-side passengers a direct view over central Cairo, the Nile, and the Giza Plateau with the pyramids clearly visible. Right side faces the desert suburbs northeast of the city. Notable sights include: Giza Pyramids complex, the Nile River snaking through Cairo, central Cairo urban grid, and the broad agricultural green belt of the Nile Delta to the north.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically lands on runways 01L/01R or 19L/19R depending on wind. On a standard approach from the east or northeast, left-side passengers get views over the Virginia suburbs, the Potomac River, and on clear days the Washington DC skyline to the northeast. Right side faces west into rural Virginia with little of note. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC skyline visible to the northeast, Virginia suburban sprawl of Fairfax County, and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the distant western horizon.
How long is the flight from Cairo to Washington?
The flight from Cairo International (CAI) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,830 miles (9,383 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cairo to Washington flight path pass over?
After departing Cairo the route crosses the Mediterranean Sea, passing north of Libya and Tunisia, then over the Strait of Gibraltar or southern Spain. The flight then crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of the Azores. The final leg crosses the US East Coast over the Carolinas or Virginia before descending into Dulles. The Mediterranean crossing offers occasional views of the North African coastline and, depending on routing, the Iberian Peninsula.