Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the long cruise over Turkey, the Black Sea coast, Eastern Europe, and the North Sea, the left side also tends to offer slightly better orientation toward populated terrain on this northwest-tracking route. It is the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown DXB to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Edinburgh is 3,590 miles (5,778 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over the Persian Gulf briefly, then crosses Iran and eastern Turkey including the Zagros and Taurus mountain ranges, the Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea coast near Bulgaria or Romania, then Central Europe over Poland or Germany depending on routing, the North Sea, and finally the Scottish coast near the Firth of Forth. The Zagros Mountains of Iran and the Taurus range of Turkey are the most dramatic terrain features at cruise altitude, appearing as heavily folded brown ridgelines from 35,000 feet.
Great circle distance and headings ›_and_the_Dubai_skyline_(25781049892).jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
LEFTDXB's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest over the city. The left side gets the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older urban fabric of Dubai before the desert opens up. The right side faces the desert immediately.
Landing at EDI
LEFTEdinburgh Airport typically uses runway 06/24. Arriving from the southeast on runway 06, the left side looks north over the Firth of Forth, giving clear views of the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh city center. The right side faces south toward the Pentland Hills.
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 Dubai International (DXB) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Edinburgh. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the long cruise over Turkey, the Black Sea coast, Eastern Europe, and the North Sea, the left side also tends to offer slightly better orientation toward populated terrain on this northwest-tracking route. It is the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. DXB's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest over the city. The left side gets the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older urban fabric of Dubai before the desert opens up. The right side faces the desert immediately. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira waterfront, downtown Dubai skyline receding behind, Palm Deira reclamation works, Sharjah urban sprawl to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh Airport typically uses runway 06/24. Arriving from the southeast on runway 06, the left side looks north over the Firth of Forth, giving clear views of the Forth Bridges and Edinburgh city center. The right side faces south toward the Pentland Hills. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth and the three Forth Bridges, Edinburgh city centre and Arthur's Seat, Leith docks, Pentland Hills on the southern horizon.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Edinburgh?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,590 miles (5,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Persian Gulf briefly, then crosses Iran and eastern Turkey including the Zagros and Taurus mountain ranges, the Anatolian plateau, the Black Sea coast near Bulgaria or Romania, then Central Europe over Poland or Germany depending on routing, the North Sea, and finally the Scottish coast near the Firth of Forth. The Zagros Mountains of Iran and the Taurus range of Turkey are the most dramatic terrain features at cruise altitude, appearing as heavily folded brown ridgelines from 35,000 feet.