About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Helsinki Malmi (HEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Helsinki. The right side wins overall because the Paris departure view is spectacular and hard to beat — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and La Défense all visible in one sweep. The landing view on the left is excellent but Helsinki Malmi is a small airport with a shorter, lower approach, so the window of opportunity is brief. The right side also tracks the Baltic Sea coastline of southern Sweden and the Stockholm archipelago during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. CDG typically departs northeast on runways 09R/09L or 27L/27R depending on wind. On a northeast departure toward Helsinki, the right side gives you a view south over Paris — you can clearly see the Seine river snaking through the city and the Eiffel Tower area. The left side faces away from the city toward open farmland. Notable sights include: Seine river bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, La Défense business district towers, Bois de Boulogne.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Malmi in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Malmi (HEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Helsinki Malmi (HEM) is a small general aviation airport east of Helsinki city center. Arrivals typically come from the southwest or west. On approach from the southwest, the left side faces south over the Helsinki archipelago — the Baltic Sea coastline, Suomenlinna sea fortress island, and the city center peninsula are clearly visible. The right side faces northeast over suburban forest. Notable sights include: Helsinki city center peninsula and harbor, Suomenlinna sea fortress islands, Helsinki archipelago and Baltic Sea inlets, Espoo suburban coastline.
How long is the flight from Paris to Helsinki?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Helsinki Malmi (HEM) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Paris to Helsinki flight path pass over?
The route crosses Belgium and southern Netherlands, then tracks over the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. Notable features include the Swedish coastline near Stockholm, the Stockholm archipelago (30,000 islands visible as a fractured coastline), the open Baltic Sea, and the Finnish archipelago approaching Helsinki. The Gulf of Finland is visible on descent.