The left side delivers the more dramatic and geographically interesting takeoff view over Abu Dhabi city and the Arabian Gulf. While the right side wins on landing for Atlanta's skyline, the Abu Dhabi departure spectacle is the highlight of the flight. Left also tracks the Mediterranean coastline and parts of southern Europe during the cruise portion.
Flight Path
The route typically tracks northwest over Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, crosses Egypt and the Nile Delta, transits the Mediterranean Sea, crosses southern Europe over Greece or Italy, then the Alps, continues over France and the Atlantic, crosses the eastern US seaboard over the Carolinas, and descends into Atlanta. Notable features include the Nile River and Delta, the Mediterranean coastline, the Alps as a distant mountain chain, and the US Eastern Seaboard.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
LEFTAbu Dhabi International's primary departure runway 31L sends aircraft northwest over the city. The left side captures Abu Dhabi island, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense urban core before the aircraft tracks over the Arabian Gulf. Right side gets mostly desert and industrial areas.
Landing at ATL
RIGHTHartsfield-Jackson's primary arrival runways 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the east-northeast. The right side faces north and captures downtown Atlanta's skyline during the approach, including Midtown and the Buckhead district visible further north. Left side faces south toward flat suburban sprawl.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta. The left side delivers the more dramatic and geographically interesting takeoff view over Abu Dhabi city and the Arabian Gulf. While the right side wins on landing for Atlanta's skyline, the Abu Dhabi departure spectacle is the highlight of the flight. Left also tracks the Mediterranean coastline and parts of southern Europe during the cruise portion.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Abu Dhabi International's primary departure runway 31L sends aircraft northwest over the city. The left side captures Abu Dhabi island, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense urban core before the aircraft tracks over the Arabian Gulf. Right side gets mostly desert and industrial areas. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi Corniche waterfront, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (large white domed structure south of city center), Abu Dhabi island urban grid, Arabian Gulf coastline and shallow turquoise waters.
What can I see when landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International in Atlanta?
When landing at The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Hartsfield-Jackson's primary arrival runways 26L/26R bring aircraft in from the east-northeast. The right side faces north and captures downtown Atlanta's skyline during the approach, including Midtown and the Buckhead district visible further north. Left side faces south toward flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Atlanta skyline, Midtown Atlanta towers, Stone Mountain (granite dome visible to the northeast in the distance during early approach), I-285 perimeter highway loop visible as a curved road corridor.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Atlanta?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to The William B Hartsfield Atlanta International (ATL) takes Approximately 14 to 15 hours.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northwest over Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, crosses Egypt and the Nile Delta, transits the Mediterranean Sea, crosses southern Europe over Greece or Italy, then the Alps, continues over France and the Atlantic, crosses the eastern US seaboard over the Carolinas, and descends into Atlanta. Notable features include the Nile River and Delta, the Mediterranean coastline, the Alps as a distant mountain chain, and the US Eastern Seaboard.