CXI

Best window seat at Christmas Island

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Kiritimati's main lagoon system, the atoll's interior salt ponds, the coastline near London/Banana village

LandingRIGHT

Main lagoon complex, scattered coral islets within the atoll, reef flats and turquoise shallows

🛫 Taking Off from Kiritimati (CXI)

Best sideLeft
WhyTaking off on runway 08 heading east, the aircraft climbs away from Kiritimati's main landmass, which sits to the north of the runway. Left-side passengers get a good look at the atoll's famous lagoon complex and the intricate coastline before it's all ocean.
Look forKiritimati's main lagoon system, the atoll's interior salt ponds, the coastline near London/Banana village, surrounding Pacific Ocean

🛬 Landing at Kiritimati (CXI)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 08 means you're flying eastward along the southern edge of the atoll, so the right side of the aircraft faces north over Kiritimati's vast lagoon system and the scattered motu (islets) that fill the atoll's interior. The left side only shows open Pacific Ocean with no distinguishing features.
Look forMain lagoon complex, scattered coral islets (motu) within the atoll, reef flats and turquoise shallows, London village coastline near the airstrip

Cassidy International Airport (CXI) is a small, single-runway airfield with a modest terminal building handling only a few weekly flights. It serves as the sole air gateway to the island, primarily for fishing tourists and inter-island travel within Kiribati.

⛰️ Elevation7 ft
🛫 Runways1 (08/26)

Connecting at CXI?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Christmas Island.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Christmas Island (CXI)?

At Christmas Island in Kiritimati: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Kiritimati's main lagoon system, the atoll's interior salt ponds, the coastline near London/Banana village, surrounding Pacific Ocean.

What can I see during takeoff from Christmas Island in Kiritimati?

When taking off from Christmas Island (CXI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Taking off on runway 08 heading east, the aircraft climbs away from Kiritimati's main landmass, which sits to the north of the runway. Left-side passengers get a good look at the atoll's famous lagoon complex and the intricate coastline before it's all ocean. Notable sights include: Kiritimati's main lagoon system, the atoll's interior salt ponds, the coastline near London/Banana village, surrounding Pacific Ocean.

What can I see when landing at Christmas Island in Kiritimati?

When landing at Christmas Island (CXI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 08 means you're flying eastward along the southern edge of the atoll, so the right side of the aircraft faces north over Kiritimati's vast lagoon system and the scattered motu (islets) that fill the atoll's interior. The left side only shows open Pacific Ocean with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Main lagoon complex, scattered coral islets (motu) within the atoll, reef flats and turquoise shallows, London village coastline near the airstrip.

What factors affect the best window seat at Christmas Island?

The best window seat at Christmas Island (CXI) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Kiritimati (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.