Right-side seats offer superior views for both takeoff and landing on this route. The westbound flight path provides consistent right-side visibility of the Persian Gulf coast during departure and the volcanic landscape approaching Madinah during arrival.
Flown AUH to MED? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Madinah is 939 miles (1,511 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight crosses the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau. Notable features include the transition from coastal lowlands to the higher interior plateau, sparse desert terrain with minimal vegetation, and the gradual appearance of the volcanic plateau region (Harrat) as you approach Madinah. The landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling desert with occasional wadi systems visible from altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Abu Dhabi's coastal features and the Persian Gulf as the aircraft climbs westward. You'll see the UAE coastline, including mangrove areas and shallow gulf waters, before the aircraft turns toward Saudi Arabia.
Landing at MED
RIGHTRight-side seats provide the best views during descent into Madinah. You'll see the volcanic plateau terrain and the distinctive dark lava fields (harrat) that characterize the landscape around Madinah, along with the city itself nestled in its valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Madinah. Right-side seats offer superior views for both takeoff and landing on this route. The westbound flight path provides consistent right-side visibility of the Persian Gulf coast during departure and the volcanic landscape approaching Madinah during arrival.
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 offer views of Abu Dhabi's coastal features and the Persian Gulf as the aircraft climbs westward. You'll see the UAE coastline, including mangrove areas and shallow gulf waters, before the aircraft turns toward Saudi Arabia. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi urban sprawl, shallow gulf waters and barrier islands.
What can I see when landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
When landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide the best views during descent into Madinah. You'll see the volcanic plateau terrain and the distinctive dark lava fields (harrat) that characterize the landscape around Madinah, along with the city itself nestled in its valley. Notable sights include: Harrat Rahat lava field, Madinah city and surrounding valleys, volcanic plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Madinah?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 939 miles (1,511 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Madinah flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau. Notable features include the transition from coastal lowlands to the higher interior plateau, sparse desert terrain with minimal vegetation, and the gradual appearance of the volcanic plateau region (Harrat) as you approach Madinah. The landscape is predominantly flat to gently rolling desert with occasional wadi systems visible from altitude.