Right-side seats provide superior scenery during the critical first and last 30 minutes of the flight. The Blue Mountains departure is visually dramatic, and although left seats have merit during landing, the westbound climb-out over the Great Dividing Range is the flight's most distinctive scenic segment.
Flown BWU to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Abu Dhabi is 7,484 miles (12,045 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Australian interior (inland deserts and sparse settlements largely invisible at cruise altitude), then transitions over the Indian Ocean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Timor Sea crossing, the Indonesian archipelago (visible as scattered islands and coastlines if routing permits), and the Arabian Sea approach to the Persian Gulf. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), individual landmarks become small, but the coastlines of Oman and the UAE's northern mountains become visible during the final descent phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Blue Mountains and Nepean River valley during the initial climb-out westward from Bankstown. The escarpment and river gorges are striking from altitude and visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at AUH
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Hajar Mountains and the coastal approach to Abu Dhabi. During descent into AUH, the dramatic rocky peaks of the Hajar range are visible to the north and west, and the Persian Gulf coastline with its shallow turquoise waters becomes prominent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Abu Dhabi. Right-side seats provide superior scenery during the critical first and last 30 minutes of the flight. The Blue Mountains departure is visually dramatic, and although left seats have merit during landing, the westbound climb-out over the Great Dividing Range is the flight's most distinctive scenic segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Blue Mountains and Nepean River valley during the initial climb-out westward from Bankstown. The escarpment and river gorges are striking from altitude and visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Nepean River valley, Penrith Lakes, Sydney metropolitan sprawl receding eastward.
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-side seats offer views of the Hajar Mountains and the coastal approach to Abu Dhabi. During descent into AUH, the dramatic rocky peaks of the Hajar range are visible to the north and west, and the Persian Gulf coastline with its shallow turquoise waters becomes prominent. Notable sights include: Hajar Mountains (northern range), Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi city grid and waterfront, Jebel Dhanna peninsula.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,484 miles (12,045 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Australian interior (inland deserts and sparse settlements largely invisible at cruise altitude), then transitions over the Indian Ocean. Notable midpoint geography includes the Timor Sea crossing, the Indonesian archipelago (visible as scattered islands and coastlines if routing permits), and the Arabian Sea approach to the Persian Gulf. At cruise altitude (35,000+ feet), individual landmarks become small, but the coastlines of Oman and the UAE's northern mountains become visible during the final descent phase.