About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Abu Dhabi. While the left side offers a good view of Paris on departure, the right side wins overall. During cruise the route tracks southeast over the Alps (right side gets southern Alpine views), then over the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean, and delivers the best arrival view over Abu Dhabi island and the Gulf. The right side accumulates more distinctive scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG typically departs eastbound on runways 09L/09R or 08L/08R, meaning the left (north) side gives you a view back over Paris as you climb out. The city center, including the Seine river bends and the dense urban grid of Paris, is clearly visible to the south-southwest from the left side during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Paris city center and Seine river bends, La Défense business district towers, Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Marne river valley to the east.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. AUH's main runways are oriented roughly east-west (31L/13R configuration). Arriving from the northwest on approach to runway 13R, the right side faces south toward Abu Dhabi island, the downtown skyline, and the Gulf coastline. The Corniche waterfront and the distinctive urban layout of Abu Dhabi island are clearly visible on the right during final approach. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi island and Corniche waterfront, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (large white structure visible from approach altitude), Persian Gulf coastline and shallow turquoise waters, Abu Dhabi downtown skyline cluster.
How long is the flight from Paris to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the Paris to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The route passes southeast over the Swiss and Italian Alps where the Mont Blanc massif and the Po Valley are visible, then over the Adriatic Sea, Greece and the Aegean islands, followed by Turkey's Anatolian plateau, then descending over the Zagros Mountains of western Iran before crossing the Persian Gulf into Abu Dhabi. The Aegean island chains and the Zagros ridgelines are the most visually striking mid-flight features.