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CCK → XCH
Which side of the plane to sit from Cocos (Keeling) Islands Airport (Cocos Keeling Island) to Christmas Island Airport (Christmas Island)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the isolated North Keeling Island shortly after takeoff and provides the most dramatic views of Flying Fish Cove and the rugged northern cliffs of Christmas Island during the approach.
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North Keeling Island
A rare glimpse of the remote Pulu Keeling National Park, a pristine and uninhabited coral atoll north of the main group.
The Blue Abyss
Watch the vibrant turquoise of the Cocos lagoon abruptly drop off into the deep indigo of the 5,000-meter deep Wharton Basin.
Flying Fish Cove
The primary settlement of Christmas Island, visible nestled between the limestone cliffs and the port area during descent.
Christmas Island Port
Aerial view of the unique cantilevered loading jetties used for phosphate exports along the northern shoreline.
Book a window seat on the left for the approach into XCH; depending on the wind, this side usually offers the iconic view of the island's main cove. Morning flights are preferred to keep the sun on the opposite side, enhancing the saturation of the reef colors.
Get eSIMs for Cocos (Keeling) Islands
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South Keeling Atoll
A sweeping view of the inhabited islands including West and Home Island as the aircraft climbs away from the runway.
Internal Rainforest
Extensive views of the dense, multi-tiered tropical rainforest that covers the central plateau of Christmas Island.
South Coast Surf
Observation of the heavy Indian Ocean swells crashing against the jagged southern limestone terraces of the island.
Choose the right side if you want to see the full expanse of the main Cocos lagoon upon departure. On arrival, this side is better for viewing the vast interior 'jungle' and the plateau morphology of Christmas Island. Use a polarized lens for photos to cut through the ocean haze.
Book Hotels in Christmas IslandDistance: 985 km (612 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: CCK (-12.1883001328, 96.8339004517)
Arrival: XCH (-10.450599670410156, 105.69000244140624)
Route Type: International
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