While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Abu Dhabi provides more dramatic and varied scenery on the left—the Gulf waters, distant mountains, and the approach over the coastal flats make for a more rewarding window experience overall.
Flown BEY to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beirut to Abu Dhabi is 1,322 miles (2,128 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, then transitions over the Syrian and Iraqi deserts. Notable features include the Anti-Lebanon Mountains (visible shortly after takeoff to the east), the Palmyra Basin and Syrian Desert (mid-flight, appearing as tan, featureless terrain), and the Euphrates River valley (visible as a thin green line in the desert during the latter half of the flight). The transition into the Persian Gulf region shows the Zagros Mountains foothills to the northeast (visible but distant) before descending into the Abu Dhabi coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BEY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over the Mediterranean and the Mount Lebanon range to the east. Beirut typically departs runways 03 or 21; runway 03 departures (northbound) turn right over the coast, giving right-seat passengers the best view of the coastal terrain and mountain backdrop.
Landing at AUH
LEFTLeft-seat passengers get the superior view during descent into Abu Dhabi. Aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runways 31L/31R; a left-side seat shows the Persian Gulf, the Hajar Mountains inland, and the final approach over the coastal flats and salt marshes south of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beirut International (BEY) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beirut to Abu Dhabi. While takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Abu Dhabi provides more dramatic and varied scenery on the left—the Gulf waters, distant mountains, and the approach over the coastal flats make for a more rewarding window experience overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Beirut International in Beirut?
During takeoff from Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the immediate climb-out over the Mediterranean and the Mount Lebanon range to the east. Beirut typically departs runways 03 or 21; runway 03 departures (northbound) turn right over the coast, giving right-seat passengers the best view of the coastal terrain and mountain backdrop. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate west), Mount Lebanon range (eastern skyline), Beirut city sprawl (directly below during initial climb), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (distant eastern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-seat passengers get the superior view during descent into Abu Dhabi. Aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runways 31L/31R; a left-side seat shows the Persian Gulf, the Hajar Mountains inland, and the final approach over the coastal flats and salt marshes south of the airport. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (western approach), Hajar Mountains (inland to the south and west), Abu Dhabi city and islands (final descent), Sabkha salt flats (immediate landing zone).
How long is the flight from Beirut to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Beirut International (BEY) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,322 miles (2,128 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beirut to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, then transitions over the Syrian and Iraqi deserts. Notable features include the Anti-Lebanon Mountains (visible shortly after takeoff to the east), the Palmyra Basin and Syrian Desert (mid-flight, appearing as tan, featureless terrain), and the Euphrates River valley (visible as a thin green line in the desert during the latter half of the flight). The transition into the Persian Gulf region shows the Zagros Mountains foothills to the northeast (visible but distant) before descending into the Abu Dhabi coastal plain.