While the Hajar Mountains give the right side an edge on departure, the left side's Sydney Harbour approach — with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and CBD skyline — is the flight's standout moment and tips the balance for the full journey.
Flight Path
Mostly open Indian Ocean with no significant landmarks; the route passes south of Sri Lanka and Indonesia before making landfall on Australia's northwest coast near Exmouth, then crosses the Outback's arid plains toward the Blue Mountains.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
_and_the_Dubai_skyline_(25781049892).jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB on the southeast-facing runway, the right side looks toward the Hajar Mountains rising along the Oman border and the rippled dune fields of the desert interior. The left side only shows the flat waters of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai coastline receding into haze.
Landing at SYD
LEFTOn the South Plan approach into Sydney, the aircraft tracks down the coast before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a clear view over Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House before touchdown. The right side instead faces the outer western suburbs and the distant Blue Mountains escarpment, less visually striking this close to landing.
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 Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Sydney. While the Hajar Mountains give the right side an edge on departure, the left side's Sydney Harbour approach — with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and CBD skyline — is the flight's standout moment and tips the balance for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DXB on the southeast-facing runway, the right side looks toward the Hajar Mountains rising along the Oman border and the rippled dune fields of the desert interior. The left side only shows the flat waters of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai coastline receding into haze. Notable sights include: Hajar Mountains, Al Ain desert dunes, Dubai's inland suburbs, Omani foothills.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the South Plan approach into Sydney, the aircraft tracks down the coast before turning onto final, giving left-side passengers a clear view over Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House before touchdown. The right side instead faces the outer western suburbs and the distant Blue Mountains escarpment, less visually striking this close to landing. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Sydney CBD skyline, Botany Bay.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Sydney?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes 13h 25m.
What does the Dubai to Sydney flight path pass over?
Mostly open Indian Ocean with no significant landmarks; the route passes south of Sri Lanka and Indonesia before making landfall on Australia's northwest coast near Exmouth, then crosses the Outback's arid plains toward the Blue Mountains.