Left side wins both ends of the flight. At departure you get Abu Dhabi's coastal city and Gulf waters; at landing you face central Paris and the Seine. The right side offers desert at takeoff and northern suburbs at landing — neither is competitive.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest from the Gulf over Saudi Arabia and Jordan, crossing the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus and Crete, then over Greece and the Aegean Sea, across northern Italy or the Alps depending on routing, through southern France over the Rhône valley, and into the Paris basin. The Alps may be visible as a distant white ridge on the horizon during the Italian segment, and the Mediterranean is crossed in darkness or early morning for most schedules.
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 out over the Arabian Gulf. The right side faces inland toward featureless desert.
Landing at CDG
LEFTCDG's most common westerly approach on runway 27L or 26R brings aircraft in from the east over the Paris basin. The left side faces south toward central Paris, giving clear views of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann street grid. The right side looks north toward 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 Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Paris. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At departure you get Abu Dhabi's coastal city and Gulf waters; at landing you face central Paris and the Seine. The right side offers desert at takeoff and northern suburbs at landing — neither is competitive.
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 out over the Arabian Gulf. The right side faces inland toward featureless desert. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi Corniche and city island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (large white domed structure south of city center), Arabian Gulf coastline and shallow turquoise waters, Yas Island and its distinctive circuit layout to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG's most common westerly approach on runway 27L or 26R brings aircraft in from the east over the Paris basin. The left side faces south toward central Paris, giving clear views of the Seine river bends, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann street grid. The right side looks north toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Seine river and its distinctive meanders through central Paris, Eiffel Tower visible as a slender iron structure on the south bank, La Défense business district cluster of towers to the west, Bois de Boulogne as a large rectangular green patch west of the city.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from the Gulf over Saudi Arabia and Jordan, crossing the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus and Crete, then over Greece and the Aegean Sea, across northern Italy or the Alps depending on routing, through southern France over the Rhône valley, and into the Paris basin. The Alps may be visible as a distant white ridge on the horizon during the Italian segment, and the Mediterranean is crossed in darkness or early morning for most schedules.