The left side offers more consistent scenic value across the flight: Alpine glimpses on departure, potential views of the Ethiopian highlands and East African Rift Valley lakes during cruise, and a striking Indian Ocean coastal approach into Durban, compared to the flatter, less varied terrain visible from the right.
Flown ORY to DUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Durban is 5,697 miles (9,169 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea near Libya, the Sahara desert, the Nile River valley through Sudan, the Ethiopian highlands, and the East African Rift Valley near Kenya and Tanzania
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
LEFTDeparting Orly on a south-southeasterly track, the climb-out gives left-side (east-facing) passengers a chance to see the Fontainebleau forest and, further along, the western foothills of the Alps rising near Lyon before the route continues south. The right side mostly shows the flatter Beauce agricultural plains and eventually the Massif Central, which is less visually striking.
Landing at DUR
LEFTOn approach to Durban's runway 24, arriving from the north, the left side faces the Indian Ocean and the city's beachfront skyline and harbor, offering a dramatic coastal view during the final descent. The right side shows inland KwaZulu-Natal terrain, which is greener but less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Durban. The left side offers more consistent scenic value across the flight: Alpine glimpses on departure, potential views of the Ethiopian highlands and East African Rift Valley lakes during cruise, and a striking Indian Ocean coastal approach into Durban, compared to the flatter, less varied terrain visible from the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Orly on a south-southeasterly track, the climb-out gives left-side (east-facing) passengers a chance to see the Fontainebleau forest and, further along, the western foothills of the Alps rising near Lyon before the route continues south. The right side mostly shows the flatter Beauce agricultural plains and eventually the Massif Central, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Seine river bends near Paris, Fontainebleau forest, distant Alpine foothills near Lyon, Rhône valley.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Durban's runway 24, arriving from the north, the left side faces the Indian Ocean and the city's beachfront skyline and harbor, offering a dramatic coastal view during the final descent. The right side shows inland KwaZulu-Natal terrain, which is greener but less distinctive. Notable sights include: Durban harbor and Golden Mile beachfront, Indian Ocean coastline, uMhlanga rocks headland, Bluff peninsula.
How long is the flight from Paris to Durban?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,697 miles (9,169 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Durban flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea near Libya, the Sahara desert, the Nile River valley through Sudan, the Ethiopian highlands, and the East African Rift Valley near Kenya and Tanzania