While takeoff favors the right for gulf views, the landing approach into Bankstown strongly favors the left for the dramatic Blue Mountains and inland geography. Since landing views are typically more memorable and the approach is longer than initial climb, left-side seats offer the better overall experience for this route.
Flown AUH to BWU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Sydney is 7,484 miles (12,045 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the west. Notable midpoint geography includes the Strait of Malacca region (around 6-7 hours), the Andaman Sea, and the approach to Western Australia's coast near the Indian Ocean. The route typically passes south of Indonesia's major islands. Sunrise or sunset (depending on departure time) occurs over the Indian Ocean, offering extended periods of ocean-only views with no significant landmarks visible from cruise altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Persian Gulf coastline and the sprawling Abu Dhabi urban grid during initial climb. Typical departures from AUH use runways 31L/31R (heading northeast), so right windows face toward the gulf and coastal development as the aircraft banks east.
Landing at BWU
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Sydney's western approach: the Blue Mountains rising inland, the Nepean River valley, and the approach path over western suburbs. Standard arrivals into Bankstown (runway 29) descend from the west, so left windows face toward the inland geography that defines the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Sydney. While takeoff favors the right for gulf views, the landing approach into Bankstown strongly favors the left for the dramatic Blue Mountains and inland geography. Since landing views are typically more memorable and the approach is longer than initial climb, left-side seats offer the better overall experience for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Persian Gulf coastline and the sprawling Abu Dhabi urban grid during initial climb. Typical departures from AUH use runways 31L/31R (heading northeast), so right windows face toward the gulf and coastal development as the aircraft banks east. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (immediate offshore), Abu Dhabi city grid and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area, Saadiyat Island development, coastal salt flats and lagoons extending south.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Sydney's western approach: the Blue Mountains rising inland, the Nepean River valley, and the approach path over western suburbs. Standard arrivals into Bankstown (runway 29) descend from the west, so left windows face toward the inland geography that defines the approach. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (distant inland ridge), Nepean River valley and Hawkesbury region, western Sydney suburban sprawl, Penrith Lakes and regional water features.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,484 miles (12,045 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and approaches Australia from the west. Notable midpoint geography includes the Strait of Malacca region (around 6-7 hours), the Andaman Sea, and the approach to Western Australia's coast near the Indian Ocean. The route typically passes south of Indonesia's major islands. Sunrise or sunset (depending on departure time) occurs over the Indian Ocean, offering extended periods of ocean-only views with no significant landmarks visible from cruise altitude.