The right side captures London's skyline on departure, likely glimpses of the Alps and Mediterranean coastline during cruise, and the dramatic Pyramids-Nile approach into Cairo, while the left side offers mostly featureless terrain and open water throughout the flight.
Flight Path
The route crosses the French Alps or southern Alps foothills, the Mediterranean Sea near Crete or the Greek islands, and the Egyptian coastline near Alexandria before following the Nile Delta south to Cairo.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTWesterly departures from Heathrow bank south before turning onto the continental routing, giving right-side passengers a last look at London's skyline and the Thames before the climb heads toward the Alps corridor. The left side mostly shows the flat Home Counties and Thames estuary fading into haze.
Landing at CAI
RIGHTOn approach into Cairo, aircraft typically track south along the Nile before turning onto final, putting the Giza Plateau and the Pyramids on the right side of the aircraft as the desert meets the green Nile corridor. The left side during descent mostly shows flat eastern desert with no major landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Cairo International (CAI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Cairo. The right side captures London's skyline on departure, likely glimpses of the Alps and Mediterranean coastline during cruise, and the dramatic Pyramids-Nile approach into Cairo, while the left side offers mostly featureless terrain and open water throughout the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly departures from Heathrow bank south before turning onto the continental routing, giving right-side passengers a last look at London's skyline and the Thames before the climb heads toward the Alps corridor. The left side mostly shows the flat Home Counties and Thames estuary fading into haze. Notable sights include: River Thames, Central London skyline, Surrey countryside, English Channel coastline.
What can I see when landing at Cairo International in Cairo?
When landing at Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Cairo, aircraft typically track south along the Nile before turning onto final, putting the Giza Plateau and the Pyramids on the right side of the aircraft as the desert meets the green Nile corridor. The left side during descent mostly shows flat eastern desert with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Giza Pyramids, Nile River, Cairo cityscape, eastern desert escarpment.
How long is the flight from London to Cairo?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Cairo International (CAI) takes 4h 55m.
What does the London to Cairo flight path pass over?
The route crosses the French Alps or southern Alps foothills, the Mediterranean Sea near Crete or the Greek islands, and the Egyptian coastline near Alexandria before following the Nile Delta south to Cairo.