The right side benefits from the East African Rift Valley and Nile corridor during cruise, plus a scenic Paris landing with the Seine and city skyline visible, giving it more variety and landmark density than the left side's mountain-only departure view.
Flown DUR to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Durban to Paris is 5,697 miles (9,169 km), a flight of about 11 hours 35 minutes.
East African Rift Valley lakes, Nile River corridor through Sudan and Egypt, Sahara Desert dunes, Mediterranean Sea crossing near Crete or Sicily
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUR
LEFTDeparting DUR, the climb-out gives a good view inland toward the Drakensberg foothills and rolling KwaZulu-Natal hills, with Durban's harbor and city visible briefly as the aircraft turns north. It's a more textured, layered landscape than the flat Indian Ocean horizon on the right.
Landing at ORY
RIGHTArrivals into Orly from the east or north typically bank over the Paris basin, giving passengers on the right a sweeping view of the Seine River winding through the city, with recognizable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and La Défense skyline visible before final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Durban to Paris. The right side benefits from the East African Rift Valley and Nile corridor during cruise, plus a scenic Paris landing with the Seine and city skyline visible, giving it more variety and landmark density than the left side's mountain-only departure view.
What can I see during takeoff from King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
During takeoff from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DUR, the climb-out gives a good view inland toward the Drakensberg foothills and rolling KwaZulu-Natal hills, with Durban's harbor and city visible briefly as the aircraft turns north. It's a more textured, layered landscape than the flat Indian Ocean horizon on the right. Notable sights include: Durban Harbor, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands hills, distant Drakensberg escarpment, Umgeni River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Orly from the east or north typically bank over the Paris basin, giving passengers on the right a sweeping view of the Seine River winding through the city, with recognizable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and La Défense skyline visible before final descent. Notable sights include: Seine River, Eiffel Tower, La Défense skyline, Paris southern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Durban to Paris?
The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to Orly (ORY) takes about 11 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,697 miles (9,169 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Durban to Paris flight path pass over?
East African Rift Valley lakes, Nile River corridor through Sudan and Egypt, Sahara Desert dunes, Mediterranean Sea crossing near Crete or Sicily