The left side wins on the strength of two standout scenic bookends: the Giza pyramids and Nile Delta at departure, and the Manhattan skyline with Jamaica Bay at arrival. The right side offers only intermittent Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline glimpses during a long ocean-dominated cruise.
Flight Path
Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Greek islands and the Adriatic coast, followed by a long open-ocean crossing of the North Atlantic before reaching Newfoundland and the New England coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAI
LEFTDeparting Cairo on runway 05 and banking northwest toward the Mediterranean, the left side offers a brief but classic view back over the Giza plateau and the sharp green line of the Nile Delta against the desert. The right side mostly shows the flat eastern desert with little contrast.
Landing at JFK
LEFTArrivals into JFK from the east typically track over Long Island before turning south for the approach, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Jamaica Bay just before touchdown. The right side mostly faces open Atlantic and flat Long Island suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cairo International (CAI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cairo to New York. The left side wins on the strength of two standout scenic bookends: the Giza pyramids and Nile Delta at departure, and the Manhattan skyline with Jamaica Bay at arrival. The right side offers only intermittent Mediterranean and Atlantic coastline glimpses during a long ocean-dominated cruise.
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. Departing Cairo on runway 05 and banking northwest toward the Mediterranean, the left side offers a brief but classic view back over the Giza plateau and the sharp green line of the Nile Delta against the desert. The right side mostly shows the flat eastern desert with little contrast. Notable sights include: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River and Delta, Cairo urban sprawl, Western Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into JFK from the east typically track over Long Island before turning south for the approach, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Jamaica Bay just before touchdown. The right side mostly faces open Atlantic and flat Long Island suburbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Jamaica Bay, Long Island coastline.
How long is the flight from Cairo to New York?
The flight from Cairo International (CAI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 12h 45m.
What does the Cairo to New York flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Greek islands and the Adriatic coast, followed by a long open-ocean crossing of the North Atlantic before reaching Newfoundland and the New England coast