Across the long cruise phase, the left (northern) side tracks over the Ethiopian highlands, the Rift Valley lakes, the mountainous Yemeni coast, and eventually the southern Indian coastline near Chennai, giving repeated changes in terrain. The right side spends most of the flight over the open Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which limits its variety despite a better airport-adjacent view at each end.
Flown NBO to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to Bangkok is 4,489 miles (7,224 km), a flight of about 9 hours 25 minutes.
Ethiopian highlands and Rift Valley lakes, the mountainous coast of Yemen/Oman near the Gulf of Aden, open Arabian Sea, and the southeastern coastline of India before crossing the Bay of Bengal toward the Andaman Sea and Thailand
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
RIGHTDeparting on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest right over the Ngong Hills and the edge of Nairobi National Park before turning northeast onto course, giving right-side passengers a good look at the escarpment and the Rift Valley beyond. Left side at this point mostly shows Nairobi's flatter eastern suburbs.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn the typical approach into Suvarnabhumi, the aircraft descends over the flat delta east of Bangkok, and the final turn onto the runway brings the city's skyline, the Chao Phraya River bends, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline into view on the right side. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Bangkok. Across the long cruise phase, the left (northern) side tracks over the Ethiopian highlands, the Rift Valley lakes, the mountainous Yemeni coast, and eventually the southern Indian coastline near Chennai, giving repeated changes in terrain. The right side spends most of the flight over the open Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, which limits its variety despite a better airport-adjacent view at each end.
What can I see during takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest right over the Ngong Hills and the edge of Nairobi National Park before turning northeast onto course, giving right-side passengers a good look at the escarpment and the Rift Valley beyond. Left side at this point mostly shows Nairobi's flatter eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Nairobi National Park, Rift Valley escarpment, Nairobi city skyline.
What can I see when landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok?
When landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical approach into Suvarnabhumi, the aircraft descends over the flat delta east of Bangkok, and the final turn onto the runway brings the city's skyline, the Chao Phraya River bends, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline into view on the right side. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok skyline, Gulf of Thailand coastline, Suvarnabhumi's surrounding canal network.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Bangkok?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 9 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,489 miles (7,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Ethiopian highlands and Rift Valley lakes, the mountainous coast of Yemen/Oman near the Gulf of Aden, open Arabian Sea, and the southeastern coastline of India before crossing the Bay of Bengal toward the Andaman Sea and Thailand