The left side wins overall. The Dubai departure delivers the most dramatic urban and coastal scenery over the Gulf, and during the flight the left side also faces north toward the Indian Ocean coastline of India and Sri Lanka as the route tracks southeast. The Essendon arrival view is good on the right, but the departure spectacle tips the balance.
Flight Path
The route tracks southeast from Dubai across the Arabian Sea, passing over or near the Indian subcontinent's western coast (Gujarat and Maharashtra), then across central India or Sri Lanka depending on routing, before crossing the Bay of Bengal, the Malay Peninsula or Sumatra, the Java Sea, and finally the Timor Sea and northern Australia before descending into Melbourne. The Himalayas are too far north to be visible. The Andaman Islands and Indonesian archipelago may be visible as scattered island chains below.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
LEFTDubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest over the city before turning south. The left side captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the broader Dubai urban grid as you climb out over the Arabian Gulf shoreline.
Landing at MEB
RIGHTEssendon Airport's primary runway 17/35 means arrivals from the north typically land heading south on runway 17. The right side on approach gives a clear view over Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne CBD skyline, and the inner suburbs as you descend from the north.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Melbourne. The left side wins overall. The Dubai departure delivers the most dramatic urban and coastal scenery over the Gulf, and during the flight the left side also faces north toward the Indian Ocean coastline of India and Sri Lanka as the route tracks southeast. The Essendon arrival view is good on the right, but the departure spectacle tips the balance.
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. Dubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest over the city before turning south. The left side captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the broader Dubai urban grid as you climb out over the Arabian Gulf shoreline. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Palm Jumeirah visible to the southwest, Dubai Marina and JBR coastline, Arabian Gulf shallow turquoise waters.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Essendon Airport's primary runway 17/35 means arrivals from the north typically land heading south on runway 17. The right side on approach gives a clear view over Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne CBD skyline, and the inner suburbs as you descend from the north. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River winding through inner suburbs, Flemington Racecourse.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Melbourne?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Melbourne Essendon (MEB) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.
What does the Dubai to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast from Dubai across the Arabian Sea, passing over or near the Indian subcontinent's western coast (Gujarat and Maharashtra), then across central India or Sri Lanka depending on routing, before crossing the Bay of Bengal, the Malay Peninsula or Sumatra, the Java Sea, and finally the Timor Sea and northern Australia before descending into Melbourne. The Himalayas are too far north to be visible. The Andaman Islands and Indonesian archipelago may be visible as scattered island chains below.