Both sides face a long, featureless stretch of open Arabian Sea at cruise, so the flight is decided by the ends: Colombo's coastal takeoff is pleasant but modest, while the right side's Dubai arrival delivers one of the most recognizable skyline-and-coastline approaches in commercial aviation, tipping the overall score in its favor.
Flight Path
The route is dominated by the open Arabian Sea; after leaving Sri Lanka's coast behind, there are several hours over open water with no land visible until the Omani coastline and the Hajar Mountains rise into view as the flight approaches the UAE.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
LEFTCMB's single runway sits right against Sri Lanka's west coast and runs roughly parallel to the shoreline, so the left side gets a clean view of the coastline, fishing harbors, and Colombo's skyline and port area as the aircraft climbs out before turning northwest over the Indian Ocean.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTOn calmer days DXB lands arrivals on runway 12, which means aircraft coming from the southeast are typically vectored out over the Gulf and turned back to fly southeast on final approach, putting Palm Jumeirah and the Marina skyline right outside the right-side windows just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Dubai. Both sides face a long, featureless stretch of open Arabian Sea at cruise, so the flight is decided by the ends: Colombo's coastal takeoff is pleasant but modest, while the right side's Dubai arrival delivers one of the most recognizable skyline-and-coastline approaches in commercial aviation, tipping the overall score in its favor.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMB's single runway sits right against Sri Lanka's west coast and runs roughly parallel to the shoreline, so the left side gets a clean view of the coastline, fishing harbors, and Colombo's skyline and port area as the aircraft climbs out before turning northwest over the Indian Ocean. Notable sights include: Colombo city skyline and harbor, Negombo lagoon, west coast beaches and lagoons, Indian Ocean shoreline.
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. On calmer days DXB lands arrivals on runway 12, which means aircraft coming from the southeast are typically vectored out over the Gulf and turned back to fly southeast on final approach, putting Palm Jumeirah and the Marina skyline right outside the right-side windows just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina skyscraper cluster, Persian Gulf coastline.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Dubai?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Dubai International (DXB) takes 4h 10m.
What does the Colombo to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route is dominated by the open Arabian Sea; after leaving Sri Lanka's coast behind, there are several hours over open water with no land visible until the Omani coastline and the Hajar Mountains rise into view as the flight approaches the UAE.