The right side captures the most distinctive scenery of the journey — the Persian Gulf coast and Zagros foothills at departure, a possible glimpse of the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges during cruise, and Mount Fuji on arrival — while the left side spends most of the flight over featureless desert and steppe.
Flown AUH to NRT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Tokyo is 5,026 miles (8,088 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Route crosses the Iranian plateau, the Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges of Central Asia, the Taklamakan Desert of western China, and the southern edge of the Gobi Desert before turning southeast toward the Korean Peninsula and the Sea of Japan.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
RIGHTDeparting AUH toward the northeast, the right side offers views back across the Persian Gulf coastline and the beginnings of the Zagros foothills in Iran as the aircraft climbs, while the left side faces the flat, empty Arabian desert interior.
Landing at NRT
RIGHTOn the descent into Narita, flights approaching from the south or west often pass close enough to give a right-side view of Mount Fuji's iconic cone rising above the Kanto plain, along with glimpses of Tokyo Bay and the sprawling city lights beyond.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to New Tokyo International (NRT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo. The right side captures the most distinctive scenery of the journey — the Persian Gulf coast and Zagros foothills at departure, a possible glimpse of the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges during cruise, and Mount Fuji on arrival — while the left side spends most of the flight over featureless desert and steppe.
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 northeast, the right side offers views back across the Persian Gulf coastline and the beginnings of the Zagros foothills in Iran as the aircraft climbs, while the left side faces the flat, empty Arabian desert interior. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi's man-made islands, Strait of Hormuz approach, Zagros foothills.
What can I see when landing at New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
When landing at New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Narita, flights approaching from the south or west often pass close enough to give a right-side view of Mount Fuji's iconic cone rising above the Kanto plain, along with glimpses of Tokyo Bay and the sprawling city lights beyond. Notable sights include: Mount Fuji, Tokyo Bay, Kanto plain farmland, Chiba coastline.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to New Tokyo International (NRT) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,026 miles (8,088 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Tokyo flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Iranian plateau, the Pamir and Tien Shan mountain ranges of Central Asia, the Taklamakan Desert of western China, and the southern edge of the Gobi Desert before turning southeast toward the Korean Peninsula and the Sea of Japan.