The right side wins on nearly every phase: Dubai's coastal skyline at takeoff, glimpses of the Red Sea and Ethiopian highlands during cruise, and a genuine chance to see Kilimanjaro on the Nairobi approach. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless desert and the flat Somali/Kenyan borderlands.
Flown DXB to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Nairobi is 2,212 miles (3,559 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
Saudi Arabian desert interior, Red Sea near the Yemen coast, Ethiopian Highlands, and the northern Kenyan Rift Valley
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB toward the south, the right side gives a last look at Dubai's skyline and the Palm Jumeirah/Gulf coastline before the aircraft turns inland over the Arabian desert. The left side mostly shows flat desert interior with little contrast.
Landing at NBO
RIGHTNBO arrivals from the southwest typically land on runway 06, meaning the aircraft is heading northeast on final. On that heading, the right side faces southeast, giving a rare view of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit rising above the plains on clear days, along with the Ngong Hills closer to the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Nairobi. The right side wins on nearly every phase: Dubai's coastal skyline at takeoff, glimpses of the Red Sea and Ethiopian highlands during cruise, and a genuine chance to see Kilimanjaro on the Nairobi approach. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless desert and the flat Somali/Kenyan borderlands.
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 gives a last look at Dubai's skyline and the Palm Jumeirah/Gulf coastline before the aircraft turns inland over the Arabian desert. The left side mostly shows flat desert interior with little contrast. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina skyline, Persian Gulf coastline, Arabian desert dunes.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. NBO arrivals from the southwest typically land on runway 06, meaning the aircraft is heading northeast on final. On that heading, the right side faces southeast, giving a rare view of Mount Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit rising above the plains on clear days, along with the Ngong Hills closer to the airport. Notable sights include: Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngong Hills, Nairobi National Park plains, Rift Valley escarpment edge.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Nairobi?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,212 miles (3,559 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Saudi Arabian desert interior, Red Sea near the Yemen coast, Ethiopian Highlands, and the northern Kenyan Rift Valley