While takeoff from São Paulo favors the left, the landing approach into Dubai on the right side is dramatically more scenic with the Palm Jumeirah, Marina skyline, and Persian Gulf coastline. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flown CGH to DXB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Dubai is 7,607 miles (12,242 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no landmarks visible for approximately 6 hours), then passes over West Africa including the Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), the Niger River valley, and continues southeast over the Red Sea before reaching the Arabian Peninsula. The Red Sea crossing offers views of the Egyptian Eastern Desert and Saudi Arabian coastline in the final hours before reaching the UAE.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CGH
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range and the Paraíba River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Congonhas. Right side faces inland toward the plateau with less dramatic terrain.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai's Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, and the Dubai Marina skyline during the final approach into DXB. The aircraft descends from the northeast over water, making the right side optimal.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Congonhas (CGH) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Dubai. While takeoff from São Paulo favors the left, the landing approach into Dubai on the right side is dramatically more scenic with the Palm Jumeirah, Marina skyline, and Persian Gulf coastline. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Serra da Mantiqueira mountain range and the Paraíba River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of Congonhas. Right side faces inland toward the plateau with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Serra da Mantiqueira (distant peaks to the northeast), Paraíba River valley, São Paulo urban sprawl receding southward, Atlantic escarpment edge.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Persian Gulf coastline, Dubai's Palm Jumeirah artificial islands, and the Dubai Marina skyline during the final approach into DXB. The aircraft descends from the northeast over water, making the right side optimal. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (turquoise shallow waters), Palm Jumeirah (distinctive palm-shaped artificial islands), Dubai Marina (high-rise cluster), Jebel Ali Port (container terminals).
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Dubai?
The flight from Congonhas (CGH) to Dubai International (DXB) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,607 miles (12,242 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Dubai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean (no landmarks visible for approximately 6 hours), then passes over West Africa including the Sahara Desert (southern Algeria and Mali), the Niger River valley, and continues southeast over the Red Sea before reaching the Arabian Peninsula. The Red Sea crossing offers views of the Egyptian Eastern Desert and Saudi Arabian coastline in the final hours before reaching the UAE.