About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cairo International (CAI) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cairo to Manila. The right side wins overall primarily for the Giza pyramid view on departure, which is one of the most iconic aerial sightings in the world. The flight path east over the Arabian Peninsula, Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia offers reasonable views from both sides at cruise, but the departure moment over the Nile Delta and Giza is the standout event of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Cairo International in Cairo?
During takeoff from Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cairo International's primary departure runway 05C sends aircraft northeast over the city, and a right-side seat gives you a clear look back southwest over the Nile Delta and the Giza plateau as you climb out. The pyramids at Giza sit southwest of the airport and are genuinely visible from the right side during the climbing turn toward the east. Notable sights include: Giza Pyramid Complex, Nile River and its Delta fan, Cairo city grid, Lake Manzala on the northeast Delta coast.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ninoy Aquino International typically uses runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. On approach from the west over Manila Bay, a left-side seat faces south and gives you the full panorama of Manila Bay's blue water, the Cavite peninsula, and the city of Manila itself. Runway 24 approaches come in from the east over Laguna de Bay, where the left side then faces north over Metro Manila's dense urban core. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay, Metro Manila urban grid, Mount Arayat visible to the north on the Central Luzon plain.
How long is the flight from Cairo to Manila?
The flight from Cairo International (CAI) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours nonstop.
What does the Cairo to Manila flight path pass over?
After departing Cairo the route tracks east-southeast over the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea, then across the Arabian Peninsula over Saudi Arabia. The route continues over the Indian Ocean or the Bay of Bengal depending on the specific track filed, passing south of the Himalayas. Over Southeast Asia the flight crosses the Malay Peninsula or Indochina before descending toward Manila over the South China Sea and Luzon.