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MAD → CAI
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Cairo International Airport (Cairo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the prime choice for this route, offering a spectacular approach over the Nile and the Pyramids of Giza, alongside views of the Maltese archipelago and the North African coastline.
Malta
The entire Maltese archipelago often appears as a cluster of golden rocks in the deep blue sea.
Algerian Coast
Distant views of the Atlas Mountains and the North African shoreline during the mid-flight phase.
Sahara Fringe
The dramatic meeting point where the Mediterranean turquoise meets the golden Sahara sands.
Nile River
The iconic green ribbon of life cutting through the barren Egyptian desert on the final approach.
Pyramids of Giza
On standard approaches into CAI from the west, the Great Pyramids are frequently visible on the right.
This is the 'money side' for the approach into Cairo. Aim for a window seat behind the wing for the clearest view of the Pyramids of Giza, which typically appear during the descent from the northwest. Afternoon flights provide the best warm, golden lighting for photographing the desert and the Nile.
Balearic Islands
Bird's-eye views of Ibiza and Mallorca's northern coastlines shortly after departure.
Sardinia
The southern rugged coastline of this Italian island often remains visible for several minutes.
Mediterranean Horizon
Deep azure waters contrasting with the distant European coastline to the north.
Alexandria
The historic Egyptian port city marks the beginning of the Nile Delta landscape.
Nile Delta
A vast, lush green triangular fan that stands out sharply against the surrounding desert.
Sit on the left for early morning departures to avoid direct southern sun glare. This side is excellent for seeing the transition from the Spanish interior to the Mediterranean Sea. During night flights, the coastal lights of Alexandria and the dense illumination of the Nile Delta are highly visible.
Distance: 3,350 km (2,082 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 56 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: CAI (30.12190055847168, 31.40559959411621)
Route Type: International
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