The left side wins on both ends: Dubai's coastal skyline and Palm Jumeirah at departure, and the Thames/London cityscape on arrival, giving it stronger urban and coastal scenery than the right side's desert and countryside views.
Flight Path
The route crosses Saudi Arabia's interior deserts, the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus or the Levant coast, then continental Europe over the Alps' northern fringes or the Balkans, and finally the English Channel or the Bay of Biscay before reaching southern England.
Great circle distance and headings ›_and_the_Dubai_skyline_(25781049892).jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
LEFTDeparting DXB northwestbound, the left side offers views of the Dubai coastline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the city's skyline before the flight tracks over the Gulf and into Saudi Arabia. The right side mostly shows the flatter inland desert.
Landing at LHR
LEFTOn approach to LHR from the east, the left side typically reveals the Thames Estuary and the sprawl of east and central London, including landmarks along the river, before the final turn onto the runway. The right side usually shows the flatter Home Counties countryside.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to London. The left side wins on both ends: Dubai's coastal skyline and Palm Jumeirah at departure, and the Thames/London cityscape on arrival, giving it stronger urban and coastal scenery than the right side's desert and countryside views.
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. Departing DXB northwestbound, the left side offers views of the Dubai coastline, the Palm Jumeirah, and the city's skyline before the flight tracks over the Gulf and into Saudi Arabia. The right side mostly shows the flatter inland desert. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina skyline, Burj Al Arab, Persian Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to LHR from the east, the left side typically reveals the Thames Estuary and the sprawl of east and central London, including landmarks along the river, before the final turn onto the runway. The right side usually shows the flatter Home Counties countryside. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary, Canary Wharf, River Thames bends through London, M25 orbital corridor.
How long is the flight from Dubai to London?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Heathrow (LHR) takes 7h 10m.
What does the Dubai to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses Saudi Arabia's interior deserts, the eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus or the Levant coast, then continental Europe over the Alps' northern fringes or the Balkans, and finally the English Channel or the Bay of Biscay before reaching southern England.