The right side tracks the flight's northern arc, offering Abu Dhabi's coastline at takeoff, the Zagros Mountains, Caspian Sea, and Caucasus region during cruise, a glimpse of Greenland's ice sheet on the transatlantic leg, and the Manhattan skyline on arrival — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the largely featureless desert and open-ocean views from the left.
Flight Path
Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus range, Eastern Europe, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the Labrador coast of Canada before descent into the northeastern United States
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTDeparting AUH toward the northwest, the right side offers a last look at Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the turquoise Gulf waters around Saadiyat and Yas Island before the aircraft turns onto its transcontinental heading. The left side mostly shows featureless desert and haze.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn the descent into JFK from the northeast, the right side gives a clear view of the Manhattan skyline across Long Island Sound before the aircraft turns south over Jamaica Bay's marshlands for final approach. The left side mainly faces open Atlantic water with no landmarks.
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 John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to New York. The right side tracks the flight's northern arc, offering Abu Dhabi's coastline at takeoff, the Zagros Mountains, Caspian Sea, and Caucasus region during cruise, a glimpse of Greenland's ice sheet on the transatlantic leg, and the Manhattan skyline on arrival — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the largely featureless desert and open-ocean views from the left.
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. Departing AUH toward the northwest, the right side offers a last look at Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the turquoise Gulf waters around Saadiyat and Yas Island before the aircraft turns onto its transcontinental heading. The left side mostly shows featureless desert and haze. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi Corniche skyline, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat and Yas Island coastline, Persian Gulf waters.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into JFK from the northeast, the right side gives a clear view of the Manhattan skyline across Long Island Sound before the aircraft turns south over Jamaica Bay's marshlands for final approach. The left side mainly faces open Atlantic water with no landmarks. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay wetlands, JFK's runway complex.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to New York?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 13h 40m.
What does the Abu Dhabi to New York flight path pass over?
Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus range, Eastern Europe, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the Labrador coast of Canada before descent into the northeastern United States