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KIX destination photo
CNS destination photo

KIXCNS

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this route because it offers a direct view of the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and a more frequent view of the Great Barrier Reef during the descent into Cairns.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🌅

Pacific Sunrise

Watch the sun rise over the vast Pacific horizon, a highlight for the typical overnight schedule on this route.

🏝️

Ogasawara Islands

Possible glimpses of these remote volcanic islands, known as the 'Galapagos of the Orient,' south of Japan.

💠

Micronesian Atolls

Stunning turquoise coral rings and isolated lagoons scattered throughout the deep blue Philippine Sea.

🪸

Great Barrier Reef

A breathtaking aerial perspective of the world's largest reef system as the aircraft tracks south toward Cairns.

⚓

Trinity Inlet

Views of the winding mangrove estuaries and the Cairns waterfront during the final approach.

Book a window seat toward the front or rear to avoid wing obstruction. Since most flights from KIX arrive in Cairns in the early morning, the left side provides the best sunrise views. The reef is most visible approximately 20-30 minutes before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🗾

Shikoku Coastline

Immediate views of the Japanese coastline and the Seto Inland Sea shortly after departing KIX.

⛰️

New Guinea Highlands

Dramatic, high-altitude mountain peaks and dense tropical rainforests while overflying Papua New Guinea.

🌊

Torres Strait

The beautiful mosaic of islands and shallow reefs situated between Papua New Guinea and Cape York.

🌿

Daintree Rainforest

Vast stretches of ancient tropical rainforest meeting the sea as the plane enters Australian airspace.

🏙️

Cairns Hinterland

Views of the Great Dividing Range and the lush Atherton Tablelands during the final descent stages.

The right side is excellent for viewing the rugged, mountainous interior of Papua New Guinea. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you may also see the eastern fringes of the Philippines. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze over the rainforests.

Top Activities in Cairns
Route Information

Distance: 5,813 km (3,612 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 50 min

Departure: KIX (34.42729949951172, 135.24400329589844)

Arrival: CNS (-16.885799408, 145.755004883)

Route Type: International

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