The left side wins because it captures the most dramatic terrain of the trip: glimpses of Turkey's Taurus Mountains and the Adriatic coast near Trieste during cruise, followed by the Alps dominating the view on final approach into Zurich. The right side's highlight is the brief Dubai coastline at takeoff, but the rest of its outlook over Arabian desert, Iraqi plains, and Balkan farmland stays comparatively flat.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Iraqi desert, the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, the Balkan highlands near Albania/Macedonia, and skirts the Adriatic coast near Trieste before threading through the eastern Alps into Switzerland.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTDeparting DXB on the northwest-facing runway, the jet climbs out close to Dubai's shoreline before turning onto its inland track. Right-side passengers catch a last look at Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, and the Marina towers against the turquoise Gulf before the desert takes over.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTArriving from the east, Zurich-bound flights curve south of the direct line for the approach, which places the snow-capped Alps on the left side of the cabin. The right side instead looks out over the flatter Swiss plateau and the Lake Constance basin, far less dramatic.
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 Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Zurich. The left side wins because it captures the most dramatic terrain of the trip: glimpses of Turkey's Taurus Mountains and the Adriatic coast near Trieste during cruise, followed by the Alps dominating the view on final approach into Zurich. The right side's highlight is the brief Dubai coastline at takeoff, but the rest of its outlook over Arabian desert, Iraqi plains, and Balkan farmland stays comparatively flat.
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 northwest-facing runway, the jet climbs out close to Dubai's shoreline before turning onto its inland track. Right-side passengers catch a last look at Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab, and the Marina towers against the turquoise Gulf before the desert takes over. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina skyline, Persian Gulf coastline.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the east, Zurich-bound flights curve south of the direct line for the approach, which places the snow-capped Alps on the left side of the cabin. The right side instead looks out over the flatter Swiss plateau and the Lake Constance basin, far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Glarus Alps, Lake Zurich, Uetliberg ridge, Swiss Plateau farmland.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Zurich?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 6h 40m.
What does the Dubai to Zurich flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Iraqi desert, the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, the Balkan highlands near Albania/Macedonia, and skirts the Adriatic coast near Trieste before threading through the eastern Alps into Switzerland.