While the left side wins at takeoff for Dubai city views, the right side delivers the more spectacular and sustained payoff: the dramatic granite peaks and reef lagoons of Mahe on descent are genuinely stunning and relatively rare scenery. The right side also catches glimpses of the Somali coastline and Horn of Africa during the mid-flight crossing, making it the better overall choice for the full journey.
Flown DXB to SEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Mahe is 2,068 miles (3,327 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks almost due south along roughly the 55-56 degree east meridian, crossing the Arabian Sea and then the Indian Ocean. The Somali coastline and the Horn of Africa region pass to the right (west) at mid-flight distance. The route avoids major landmasses almost entirely — it is predominantly open ocean flying over the northwestern Indian Ocean, with the Maldives archipelago passing well to the east and the Somali Basin below. No significant island chains cross directly under the route.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
LEFTDubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south. A left-side seat captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the dense urban grid of old Dubai as the aircraft banks south over the city. The right side faces the desert interior with little of interest.
Landing at SEZ
RIGHTSeychelles International on Mahe typically uses runway 13 for arrivals from the north, meaning aircraft approach from the northeast over open ocean before turning to align with the runway heading southeast. A right-side seat gives views of Mahe's dramatic granite interior peaks and the turquoise reef-fringed lagoons on the island's west coast as the aircraft descends. The left side faces open Indian Ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Seychelles International (SEZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Mahe. While the left side wins at takeoff for Dubai city views, the right side delivers the more spectacular and sustained payoff: the dramatic granite peaks and reef lagoons of Mahe on descent are genuinely stunning and relatively rare scenery. The right side also catches glimpses of the Somali coastline and Horn of Africa during the mid-flight crossing, making it the better overall 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. Dubai International's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south. A left-side seat captures the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the dense urban grid of old Dubai as the aircraft banks south over the city. The right side faces the desert interior with little of interest. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira waterfront, Downtown Dubai skyline including Burj Khalifa visible to the southwest, Palm Jumeirah artificial island, Dubai Marina towers.
What can I see when landing at Seychelles International in Mahe?
When landing at Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Seychelles International on Mahe typically uses runway 13 for arrivals from the north, meaning aircraft approach from the northeast over open ocean before turning to align with the runway heading southeast. A right-side seat gives views of Mahe's dramatic granite interior peaks and the turquoise reef-fringed lagoons on the island's west coast as the aircraft descends. The left side faces open Indian Ocean. Notable sights include: Morne Seychellois peak (905m, highest point in Seychelles), Victoria harbor and town, Sainte Anne Marine National Park islands northeast of Mahe, coral reef lagoons along the west coast.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Mahe?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Seychelles International (SEZ) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,068 miles (3,327 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Mahe flight path pass over?
The route tracks almost due south along roughly the 55-56 degree east meridian, crossing the Arabian Sea and then the Indian Ocean. The Somali coastline and the Horn of Africa region pass to the right (west) at mid-flight distance. The route avoids major landmasses almost entirely — it is predominantly open ocean flying over the northwestern Indian Ocean, with the Maldives archipelago passing well to the east and the Somali Basin below. No significant island chains cross directly under the route.