The Paris landing on the left side is the more spectacular payoff — a clear view over one of the world's most recognizable city layouts. The takeoff right-side advantage is real but shorter-lived. Over the full flight, the left side also catches the Nile valley in Sudan and the Mediterranean coastline near Tunis.
Flight Path
The route typically tracks north over Kenya and Ethiopia, then crosses Sudan where the Nile and Blue Nile confluence near Khartoum is visible on clear days. Over Egypt the Nile valley is a striking green ribbon through desert. The Mediterranean is crossed near the Tunisian or Libyan coast. Over the central Mediterranean, Sicily and Sardinia may be visible depending on routing. Southern France's Rhône valley and Alps foothills appear on descent into CDG.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from WIL
RIGHTWilson Airport's primary departure runway 07 sends aircraft eastward, then turning north. The right side faces south toward the Ngong Hills and the broad Athi Plains. You also get a clear look back at Nairobi's skyline as the aircraft banks north.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG typically uses runways 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Marne valley. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the city center, the Seine, and on clear days the Eiffel Tower and La Défense cluster as you descend through 3,000-5,000 feet.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Paris. The Paris landing on the left side is the more spectacular payoff — a clear view over one of the world's most recognizable city layouts. The takeoff right-side advantage is real but shorter-lived. Over the full flight, the left side also catches the Nile valley in Sudan and the Mediterranean coastline near Tunis.
What can I see during takeoff from Nairobi Wilson in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Nairobi Wilson (WIL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Wilson Airport's primary departure runway 07 sends aircraft eastward, then turning north. The right side faces south toward the Ngong Hills and the broad Athi Plains. You also get a clear look back at Nairobi's skyline as the aircraft banks north. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills ridge to the southwest, Nairobi CBD skyline, Athi Plains stretching southeast, Nairobi National Park savanna directly below.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically uses runways 27L/27R for westerly landings, meaning the approach comes from the east over the Marne valley. The left side faces south toward Paris, giving a clear view of the city center, the Seine, and on clear days the Eiffel Tower and La Défense cluster as you descend through 3,000-5,000 feet. Notable sights include: Paris city center and Seine river bends, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, La Défense high-rise cluster, Marne valley agricultural patchwork on approach.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Paris?
The flight from Nairobi Wilson (WIL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 8.5 to 9.5 hours depending on routing and winds.
What does the Nairobi to Paris flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks north over Kenya and Ethiopia, then crosses Sudan where the Nile and Blue Nile confluence near Khartoum is visible on clear days. Over Egypt the Nile valley is a striking green ribbon through desert. The Mediterranean is crossed near the Tunisian or Libyan coast. Over the central Mediterranean, Sicily and Sardinia may be visible depending on routing. Southern France's Rhône valley and Alps foothills appear on descent into CDG.