The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a clear Manhattan skyline view at takeoff and a scenic Durban coastal approach at landing — while the long ocean and desert cruise phase offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
Mid-Atlantic open ocean, the Sahara Desert's dune fields over Mauritania and Mali, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the Zambezi River basin before descending into southern Africa's savanna landscape.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK toward the southeast, the right side offers a brief but striking view of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, and the barrier islands of the Rockaways before the aircraft turns out over open Atlantic water. The left side mostly shows open ocean and hazy Long Island suburbs.
Landing at DUR
RIGHTOn approach to Durban's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast along the coastline, and the right side reveals the city's beachfront skyline, the Bluff headland, and the harbor entrance. The left side faces mostly open Indian Ocean with little to see.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Durban. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a clear Manhattan skyline view at takeoff and a scenic Durban coastal approach at landing — while the long ocean and desert cruise phase offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing JFK toward the southeast, the right side offers a brief but striking view of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, and the barrier islands of the Rockaways before the aircraft turns out over open Atlantic water. The left side mostly shows open ocean and hazy Long Island suburbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic coastline.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Durban's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast along the coastline, and the right side reveals the city's beachfront skyline, the Bluff headland, and the harbor entrance. The left side faces mostly open Indian Ocean with little to see. Notable sights include: Durban beachfront skyline, The Bluff headland, Durban Harbor entrance, KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
How long is the flight from New York to Durban?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes 17h 45m.
What does the New York to Durban flight path pass over?
Mid-Atlantic open ocean, the Sahara Desert's dune fields over Mauritania and Mali, the Congo Basin rainforest, and the Zambezi River basin before descending into southern Africa's savanna landscape.