While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Nile River and Delta—the defining geographical feature of this route. Left seats capture the Nile's striking contrast against the desert during descent, which outweighs the brief Irish coastal views on departure.
Flown DUB to CAI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dublin to Cairo is 2,474 miles (3,982 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds southeast over France (Alps visible in distance on clear days), the Mediterranean Sea, and approaches Egypt over the Sinai Peninsula. The Suez Canal becomes visible during descent into Cairo. The Mediterranean crossing offers 2+ hours of open water with occasional glimpses of southern European coastlines and North African terrain.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUB
RIGHTDublin typically departs runway 10L/10R (eastbound) or 28L/28R (westbound). For eastbound departures (most common), right-side seats face north toward the Irish Sea and Irish coastline during initial climb. You'll see the Dublin Bay shoreline, Howth Peninsula, and the Irish landscape receding beneath you.
Landing at CAI
LEFTCairo International uses runways 05L/05R (northeast) or 23L/23R (southwest). For typical northeast approaches, left-side seats face southeast toward the Nile Delta and the Nile River valley. You'll see the distinctive green ribbon of the Nile cutting through desert, with Cairo's urban sprawl visible to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dublin (DUB) to Cairo International (CAI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dublin to Cairo. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Nile River and Delta—the defining geographical feature of this route. Left seats capture the Nile's striking contrast against the desert during descent, which outweighs the brief Irish coastal views on departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Dublin in Dublin?
During takeoff from Dublin (DUB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dublin typically departs runway 10L/10R (eastbound) or 28L/28R (westbound). For eastbound departures (most common), right-side seats face north toward the Irish Sea and Irish coastline during initial climb. You'll see the Dublin Bay shoreline, Howth Peninsula, and the Irish landscape receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay, Howth Peninsula, Irish Sea coastline, Wicklow Mountains (distant southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Cairo International in Cairo?
When landing at Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cairo International uses runways 05L/05R (northeast) or 23L/23R (southwest). For typical northeast approaches, left-side seats face southeast toward the Nile Delta and the Nile River valley. You'll see the distinctive green ribbon of the Nile cutting through desert, with Cairo's urban sprawl visible to the west. Notable sights include: Nile River and Delta, Cairo urban area, Eastern Desert plateau, Suez Canal (distant northeast).
How long is the flight from Dublin to Cairo?
The flight from Dublin (DUB) to Cairo International (CAI) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,474 miles (3,982 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dublin to Cairo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds southeast over France (Alps visible in distance on clear days), the Mediterranean Sea, and approaches Egypt over the Sinai Peninsula. The Suez Canal becomes visible during descent into Cairo. The Mediterranean crossing offers 2+ hours of open water with occasional glimpses of southern European coastlines and North African terrain.