Right seats capture the dramatic Persian Gulf departure with Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz geography, which is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The takeoff view over open water and international waters is more compelling than the suburban Melbourne landing.
Flown AUH to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Melbourne is 7,240 miles (11,652 km), a flight of about 14 hours.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passing south of the Indian subcontinent. Notable features along the route include the Oman coast (visible during early departure if flying south of direct routing), the vast open Arabian Sea with no significant landmarks for 8+ hours, the approach to the Indian Ocean, and eventually the Australian continent's western approaches near the Great Australian Bight before turning toward Melbourne. The midpoint occurs roughly over the central Indian Ocean with no visible land features.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTAbu Dhabi typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north across the Persian Gulf toward Iran's Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Left seats see only inland desert and the city sprawl southward.
Landing at MEL
LEFTMelbourne typically lands westbound (Runways 27L/27R). Left-side seats face south during approach, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's distinctive blue waters, the Dandenong Ranges as a forested ridge, and the city's southern suburbs spreading across the plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne. Right seats capture the dramatic Persian Gulf departure with Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz geography, which is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. The takeoff view over open water and international waters is more compelling than the suburban Melbourne landing.
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. Abu Dhabi typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R). Right-side seats face north across the Persian Gulf toward Iran's Qeshm Island and the Strait of Hormuz approaches. Left seats see only inland desert and the city sprawl southward. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf waters, Qeshm Island (Iranian territory, visible as a dark landmass across the water), the shallow coastal shelf with its turquoise shallows, Abu Dhabi city grid receding southward.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Melbourne typically lands westbound (Runways 27L/27R). Left-side seats face south during approach, offering views of Port Phillip Bay's distinctive blue waters, the Dandenong Ranges as a forested ridge, and the city's southern suburbs spreading across the plains. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (large enclosed bay with distinctive shape), Dandenong Ranges (forested ridge to the east), Mornington Peninsula (sandy landmass forming the bay's southern boundary), Melbourne CBD skyline (visible as a cluster on the northern shore of the bay).
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 14 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 7,240 miles (11,652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passing south of the Indian subcontinent. Notable features along the route include the Oman coast (visible during early departure if flying south of direct routing), the vast open Arabian Sea with no significant landmarks for 8+ hours, the approach to the Indian Ocean, and eventually the Australian continent's western approaches near the Great Australian Bight before turning toward Melbourne. The midpoint occurs roughly over the central Indian Ocean with no visible land features.