Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Middle East and Europe, the left side also faces south toward the Red Sea, the Nile Delta, the Eastern Mediterranean, and eventually the Alps on approach, making it the consistently better side for the full journey.
Flown AUH to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Zurich is 2,969 miles (4,779 km), a flight of about 7 hours 30 minutes.
The route tracks northwest from Abu Dhabi over the Arabian Peninsula, crossing the Strait of Hormuz or passing near it, then over Oman and Saudi Arabia toward the Red Sea. The Nile Delta is a major visual landmark visible from cruise altitude as the green fan of irrigated land meeting the blue Mediterranean. The flight then crosses the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece or the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and the Alps of Austria and Switzerland on descent. The transition from desert to Mediterranean green is dramatic around Egypt and the Levant coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
LEFTAbu Dhabi International typically departs on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, which puts the left side facing southwest over Abu Dhabi city, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense island development of the capital. You get a clear view of the urban grid, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area, and the Arabian Gulf coastline receding behind you.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTZurich typically lands on runway 14 or 16 from the north/northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north with the left side facing east toward the Alps. The left window gives a sustained view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon, Lake Zurich below, and the city of Zurich itself just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Zurich. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Middle East and Europe, the left side also faces south toward the Red Sea, the Nile Delta, the Eastern Mediterranean, and eventually the Alps on approach, making it the consistently better side for the full journey.
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 on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, which puts the left side facing southwest over Abu Dhabi city, the Corniche waterfront, and the dense island development of the capital. You get a clear view of the urban grid, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area, and the Arabian Gulf coastline receding behind you. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi Corniche waterfront, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque district, Abu Dhabi island urban grid, Arabian Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zurich typically lands on runway 14 or 16 from the north/northeast, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north with the left side facing east toward the Alps. The left window gives a sustained view of the Swiss Alps including the Glarus Alps and the Bernese Oberland peaks on the horizon, Lake Zurich below, and the city of Zurich itself just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Zurich city center, Swiss Alps (Glarus Alps and Bernese Oberland on horizon), Lake Greifen.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Zurich?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 7 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,969 miles (4,779 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Abu Dhabi over the Arabian Peninsula, crossing the Strait of Hormuz or passing near it, then over Oman and Saudi Arabia toward the Red Sea. The Nile Delta is a major visual landmark visible from cruise altitude as the green fan of irrigated land meeting the blue Mediterranean. The flight then crosses the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece or the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and the Alps of Austria and Switzerland on descent. The transition from desert to Mediterranean green is dramatic around Egypt and the Levant coast.