The right side wins on both ends of the flight—Dubai's skyline and coastline at takeoff, and the iconic Table Mountain approach at landing—plus better sightlines toward the East African highlands and Rift Valley terrain during the cruise phase, while the left side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean or desert.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Gulf of Aden, then tracks down the East African interior over the Ethiopian Highlands, the Great Rift Valley, and the Kenyan-Tanzanian border region near Mount Kilimanjaro, before continuing over Mozambique and into South African airspace.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB toward the south, the right side of the aircraft faces the Gulf coastline as the plane climbs and banks, giving a brief but clear view of Dubai's skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the turquoise Gulf waters before the turn inland. The left side only shows flat desert scrubland.
Landing at CPT
RIGHTOn approach into Cape Town, the aircraft typically tracks in from the north over Table Bay before turning onto final for runway 01/19, putting Table Mountain and the city bowl on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a dramatic view of the flat-topped mountain, the Twelve Apostles ridge, and the Atlantic coastline as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Cape Town. The right side wins on both ends of the flight—Dubai's skyline and coastline at takeoff, and the iconic Table Mountain approach at landing—plus better sightlines toward the East African highlands and Rift Valley terrain during the cruise phase, while the left side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean or desert.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DXB toward the south, the right side of the aircraft faces the Gulf coastline as the plane climbs and banks, giving a brief but clear view of Dubai's skyline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the turquoise Gulf waters before the turn inland. The left side only shows flat desert scrubland. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa skyline, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Persian Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Cape Town, the aircraft typically tracks in from the north over Table Bay before turning onto final for runway 01/19, putting Table Mountain and the city bowl on the right side of the cabin. Passengers get a dramatic view of the flat-topped mountain, the Twelve Apostles ridge, and the Atlantic coastline as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Twelve Apostles ridge, Table Bay, Cape Town CBD.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Cape Town?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes 9h 40m.
What does the Dubai to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf of Aden, then tracks down the East African interior over the Ethiopian Highlands, the Great Rift Valley, and the Kenyan-Tanzanian border region near Mount Kilimanjaro, before continuing over Mozambique and into South African airspace.