The left side wins both ends of the flight - Kochi's backwaters and coastline at takeoff, and Abu Dhabi's skyline and Gulf coast at landing - while the right side faces mostly open Arabian Sea or empty desert during the equivalent phases.
Flown COK to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kochi to Abu Dhabi is 1,737 miles (2,796 km), a flight of about 4 hours 10 minutes.
The cruise is almost entirely over the open Arabian Sea with no land visible for several hours; the route passes south of Oman's Musandam Peninsula and may clip the Hajar Mountains near the UAE's east coast before the descent into Abu Dhabi's flat coastal plain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from COK
LEFTCOK's dry-season departures head east before banking north toward the Arabian Sea, and that turn puts Kochi's famous backwaters and coastline on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but distinctive look at Vembanad Lake, the palm-fringed waterways, and the Fort Kochi peninsula before the plane settles onto its oceanic cruise track.
Landing at AUH
LEFTArriving from the southeast, flights typically line up for a straight-in approach to AUH's northwest-facing runways, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline and the Persian Gulf coastline on the left side during final descent. Passengers can pick out the city's towers, the corniche, and the turquoise shallows around the man-made islands just before touchdown on the flat coastal plain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cochin International Airport (COK) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kochi to Abu Dhabi. The left side wins both ends of the flight - Kochi's backwaters and coastline at takeoff, and Abu Dhabi's skyline and Gulf coast at landing - while the right side faces mostly open Arabian Sea or empty desert during the equivalent phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Cochin International Airport in Kochi?
During takeoff from Cochin International Airport (COK), sit on the Left side for the best views. COK's dry-season departures head east before banking north toward the Arabian Sea, and that turn puts Kochi's famous backwaters and coastline on the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but distinctive look at Vembanad Lake, the palm-fringed waterways, and the Fort Kochi peninsula before the plane settles onto its oceanic cruise track. Notable sights include: Vembanad Lake, Fort Kochi peninsula, Kochi backwaters and canals, Arabian Sea coastline.
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. Arriving from the southeast, flights typically line up for a straight-in approach to AUH's northwest-facing runways, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline and the Persian Gulf coastline on the left side during final descent. Passengers can pick out the city's towers, the corniche, and the turquoise shallows around the man-made islands just before touchdown on the flat coastal plain. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline and Corniche, Persian Gulf coastline, Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, flat desert coastal plain.
How long is the flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Cochin International Airport (COK) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 4 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,737 miles (2,796 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kochi to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The cruise is almost entirely over the open Arabian Sea with no land visible for several hours; the route passes south of Oman's Musandam Peninsula and may clip the Hajar Mountains near the UAE's east coast before the descent into Abu Dhabi's flat coastal plain.