Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Departure gives you Abu Dhabi city and the Grand Mosque, and arrival gives you Laguna de Bay and the Metro Manila approach. The right side offers mainly open Gulf water on departure and the less interesting northern Manila suburbs on arrival.
Flown AUH to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Manila is 4,340 miles (6,984 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks northeast from Abu Dhabi across the Gulf of Oman, then over the Indian subcontinent crossing southern India near Kerala and Tamil Nadu, then across the Bay of Bengal, over the Malay Peninsula near southern Thailand or Malaysia, across the South China Sea, and finally over the Philippine island of Luzon approaching Manila from the east. The Bay of Bengal and South China Sea dominate the mid-flight view with occasional island chains visible including the Andaman Islands and parts of the Philippine archipelago on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
LEFTAbu Dhabi International typically departs eastbound on runway 13R/L, meaning the left side faces north toward Abu Dhabi city, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense island urban core. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's white domes, and the coastal development along the Arabian Gulf.
Landing at MNL
LEFTNinoy Aquino International typically lands westbound on runway 24, with the approach coming in from the east over Laguna de Bay. The left side faces south, giving views of Laguna de Bay, the southern Metro Manila sprawl, and Mount Banahaw and the Bicol volcanic chain on the distant horizon during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Departure gives you Abu Dhabi city and the Grand Mosque, and arrival gives you Laguna de Bay and the Metro Manila approach. The right side offers mainly open Gulf water on departure and the less interesting northern Manila suburbs on arrival.
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 typically departs eastbound on runway 13R/L, meaning the left side faces north toward Abu Dhabi city, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense island urban core. You get a clear view of the city grid, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's white domes, and the coastal development along the Arabian Gulf. Notable sights include: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Corniche waterfront, Abu Dhabi city island grid, Arabian Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ninoy Aquino International typically lands westbound on runway 24, with the approach coming in from the east over Laguna de Bay. The left side faces south, giving views of Laguna de Bay, the southern Metro Manila sprawl, and Mount Banahaw and the Bicol volcanic chain on the distant horizon during descent. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay, Metro Manila southern districts, Manila Bay, Mount Banahaw on distant horizon.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Manila?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,340 miles (6,984 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Manila flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Abu Dhabi across the Gulf of Oman, then over the Indian subcontinent crossing southern India near Kerala and Tamil Nadu, then across the Bay of Bengal, over the Malay Peninsula near southern Thailand or Malaysia, across the South China Sea, and finally over the Philippine island of Luzon approaching Manila from the east. The Bay of Bengal and South China Sea dominate the mid-flight view with occasional island chains visible including the Andaman Islands and parts of the Philippine archipelago on descent.