While takeoff offers interesting Gulf geography, the landing view over Calcutta's river delta and urban landscape is more visually distinctive and geographically significant. The Hooghly River and Sundarbans provide dramatic contrast to the approach corridor.
Flown AUH to CCU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Calcutta is 2,139 miles (3,443 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight crosses the Arabian Sea and enters Indian airspace over Gujarat. Notable midpoint features include the Gujarat coastline near Diu and Dwarka, the Thar Desert's eastern edge, and the Aravalli Range foothills. The route then transitions over the Indo-Gangetic Plain, passing east of Rajasthan and into the Ganges delta region. The Ganges River itself becomes visible in the final descent phase, with its characteristic braided channels and sediment-laden brown water marking the approach to Bengal.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTAUH typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north across the Persian Gulf toward Iran's Musandam Peninsula and the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Left seats look inland toward the Empty Quarter desert, which is visually monotonous at altitude.
Landing at CCU
LEFTCCU approaches from the west (Runways 10/28, typically 10 for eastbound arrivals). Left-side seats descend over the Hooghly River delta and central Calcutta, offering views of the Ganges distributaries, the city's dense urban core, and the Sundarbans mangrove forests to the south. Right seats see only the flat agricultural plains of West Bengal.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (CCU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Calcutta. While takeoff offers interesting Gulf geography, the landing view over Calcutta's river delta and urban landscape is more visually distinctive and geographically significant. The Hooghly River and Sundarbans provide dramatic contrast to the approach corridor.
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. AUH typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north across the Persian Gulf toward Iran's Musandam Peninsula and the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Left seats look inland toward the Empty Quarter desert, which is visually monotonous at altitude. Notable sights include: Musandam Peninsula (Oman), Persian Gulf coastline, Jebel Hafit mountain range to the southeast, coastal salt flats and sabkha formations.
What can I see when landing at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International in Calcutta?
When landing at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (CCU), sit on the Left side for the best views. CCU approaches from the west (Runways 10/28, typically 10 for eastbound arrivals). Left-side seats descend over the Hooghly River delta and central Calcutta, offering views of the Ganges distributaries, the city's dense urban core, and the Sundarbans mangrove forests to the south. Right seats see only the flat agricultural plains of West Bengal. Notable sights include: Hooghly River and its delta channels, Calcutta city center and Howrah Bridge area, Sundarbans mangrove forests to the south, Ganges River distributaries.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Calcutta?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (CCU) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,139 miles (3,443 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Calcutta flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Arabian Sea and enters Indian airspace over Gujarat. Notable midpoint features include the Gujarat coastline near Diu and Dwarka, the Thar Desert's eastern edge, and the Aravalli Range foothills. The route then transitions over the Indo-Gangetic Plain, passing east of Rajasthan and into the Ganges delta region. The Ganges River itself becomes visible in the final descent phase, with its characteristic braided channels and sediment-laden brown water marking the approach to Bengal.