Left seats capture the dramatic departure over Sydney's geography and maintain better views during the long southern route over the Indian Ocean. The takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive than the landing approach.
Flown SYD to CMN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Casablanca is 11,217 miles (18,052 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean south of the equator, passing east of Madagascar and Mauritius (visible only on clear days at cruise altitude as small landmasses on the horizon). The route then transitions over the African continent, passing east of the Great Rift Valley before descending toward Morocco. No major mountain ranges or cities are visible during the long oceanic cruise phase at typical 35,000-foot altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTSydney typically departs runways 07L/07R (eastbound) or 25L/25R (westbound). Left seats on eastbound departures capture the Blue Mountains escarpment rising inland, while westbound departures from the left side show Port Jackson's northern headlands and the Tasman Sea opening up. Either way, left provides superior elevation gain and water features.
Landing at CMN
RIGHTApproaching Casablanca typically uses runways 01/19 (north-south). Right-side seats on final approach capture the Atlantic coastline, Hassan II Mosque's distinctive white minaret, and the medina's dense urban fabric against the ocean backdrop. The approach path from the northwest provides excellent views of the coastal geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Mohammed V (CMN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Casablanca. Left seats capture the dramatic departure over Sydney's geography and maintain better views during the long southern route over the Indian Ocean. The takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive than the landing approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Sydney typically departs runways 07L/07R (eastbound) or 25L/25R (westbound). Left seats on eastbound departures capture the Blue Mountains escarpment rising inland, while westbound departures from the left side show Port Jackson's northern headlands and the Tasman Sea opening up. Either way, left provides superior elevation gain and water features. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (inland, southwest), Port Jackson waterway, Tasman Sea (eastern horizon), Northern Beaches peninsula ridgeline.
What can I see when landing at Mohammed V in Casablanca?
When landing at Mohammed V (CMN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching Casablanca typically uses runways 01/19 (north-south). Right-side seats on final approach capture the Atlantic coastline, Hassan II Mosque's distinctive white minaret, and the medina's dense urban fabric against the ocean backdrop. The approach path from the northwest provides excellent views of the coastal geography. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Hassan II Mosque (white minaret), Casablanca medina (old city), Anfa district (modern high-rises).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Casablanca?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Mohammed V (CMN) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 11,217 miles (18,052 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Casablanca flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean south of the equator, passing east of Madagascar and Mauritius (visible only on clear days at cruise altitude as small landmasses on the horizon). The route then transitions over the African continent, passing east of the Great Rift Valley before descending toward Morocco. No major mountain ranges or cities are visible during the long oceanic cruise phase at typical 35,000-foot altitude.