The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Tuwaiq Escarpment and the visual contrast between desert and urban development during approach, plus the distinctive Riyadh skyline. While Casablanca's coastal departure is scenic, the majority of the flight crosses featureless ocean and desert plateau, making the landing approach the dominant visual experience.
Flown CMN to RUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Casablanca to Riyadh is 3,290 miles (5,295 km), a flight of about 6 hours 45 minutes.
Atlantic Ocean (first 2 hours), transition over Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Anti-Atlas ranges, crossing into Algeria's Saharan plateau, then the vast Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert with occasional wadi systems visible, final approach over the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau toward Riyadh
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMN
LEFTCasablanca's Atlantic coastline and Hassan II Mosque provide immediate urban and maritime scenery during departure. The left side captures the Moroccan coast trending south before the aircraft turns east over the Atlantic.
Landing at RUH
RIGHTThe approach to Riyadh crosses the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau and reveals the dramatic transition from desert to the city's sprawling urban footprint. The right side captures the Tuwaiq Escarpment and Riyadh's distinctive grid layout set against the surrounding Rub' al Khali desert.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mohammed V (CMN) to King Khaled International (RUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Casablanca to Riyadh. The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Tuwaiq Escarpment and the visual contrast between desert and urban development during approach, plus the distinctive Riyadh skyline. While Casablanca's coastal departure is scenic, the majority of the flight crosses featureless ocean and desert plateau, making the landing approach the dominant visual experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Mohammed V in Casablanca?
During takeoff from Mohammed V (CMN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Casablanca's Atlantic coastline and Hassan II Mosque provide immediate urban and maritime scenery during departure. The left side captures the Moroccan coast trending south before the aircraft turns east over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Hassan II Mosque and Casablanca harbor, Atlantic coastline south of the city, Anti-Atlas Mountains (distant, southern horizon).
What can I see when landing at King Khaled International in Riyadh?
When landing at King Khaled International (RUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. The approach to Riyadh crosses the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau and reveals the dramatic transition from desert to the city's sprawling urban footprint. The right side captures the Tuwaiq Escarpment and Riyadh's distinctive grid layout set against the surrounding Rub' al Khali desert. Notable sights include: Tuwaiq Escarpment (western edge of Riyadh plateau), Riyadh's urban grid and modern skyline, surrounding Rub' al Khali desert (sand dunes and flat terrain).
How long is the flight from Casablanca to Riyadh?
The flight from Mohammed V (CMN) to King Khaled International (RUH) takes about 6 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,290 miles (5,295 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Casablanca to Riyadh flight path pass over?
Atlantic Ocean (first 2 hours), transition over Morocco's Atlas Mountains and Anti-Atlas ranges, crossing into Algeria's Saharan plateau, then the vast Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert with occasional wadi systems visible, final approach over the Arabian Peninsula's interior plateau toward Riyadh