The left side offers the only real terrain variation on this mostly oceanic route—dramatic desert mountains during departure and a scenic coastal city view on arrival—while the right side faces open Gulf and Arabian Sea waters for nearly the entire flight.
Flown AUH to CMB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Colombo is 2,051 miles (3,301 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Open Arabian Sea with no landmasses visible; the flight path crosses deep water well west of India's Lakshadweep Islands and north of the Maldives before reaching Sri Lanka's west coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
LEFTDeparting AUH toward the southeast, the climb-out passes north of the flat coastal city but soon reveals the rugged Hajar Mountains along the UAE-Oman border rising abruptly from the desert on the left side, a striking contrast to the flat Gulf waters on the right.
Landing at CMB
LEFTOn approach to Colombo from over the Indian Ocean, the aircraft typically banks to align with the coastal runway, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the city's skyline, harbor, and palm-lined coastline as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Bandaranaike International (CMB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Colombo. The left side offers the only real terrain variation on this mostly oceanic route—dramatic desert mountains during departure and a scenic coastal city view on arrival—while the right side faces open Gulf and Arabian Sea waters for nearly the entire flight.
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. Departing AUH toward the southeast, the climb-out passes north of the flat coastal city but soon reveals the rugged Hajar Mountains along the UAE-Oman border rising abruptly from the desert on the left side, a striking contrast to the flat Gulf waters on the right. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi coastline and mangrove islands, Al Ain desert plains, Hajar Mountains foothills.
What can I see when landing at Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
When landing at Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Colombo from over the Indian Ocean, the aircraft typically banks to align with the coastal runway, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the city's skyline, harbor, and palm-lined coastline as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Colombo Harbor, Galle Face Green coastline, city skyline, coastal fishing villages.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Colombo?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Bandaranaike International (CMB) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,051 miles (3,301 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Colombo flight path pass over?
Open Arabian Sea with no landmasses visible; the flight path crosses deep water well west of India's Lakshadweep Islands and north of the Maldives before reaching Sri Lanka's west coast.