While the right side offers a nice glimpse of D.C. at takeoff, the left side dominates during the long cruise phase, passing near Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic coastline, Scandinavian fjords, and the Caspian Sea region, then wins again on arrival with the Abu Dhabi skyline and Gulf islands during descent.
Flown IAD to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Abu Dhabi is 7,075 miles (11,386 km), a flight of about 12 hours 50 minutes.
The flight's midpoint lies over the North Atlantic and Arctic fringe near southern Greenland and the Norwegian Sea, with the route later curving southeast across Scandinavia, Russia, and the Caucasus/Caspian Sea region before descending into the Persian Gulf.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD on a northeast heading toward the Atlantic, the aircraft passes just north of Washington D.C., putting the Potomac River, the National Mall's monuments, and the Chesapeake Bay shoreline on the right side of the cabin during climb-out.
Landing at AUH
LEFTArrivals into AUH typically approach from the northwest, descending southeast over the Persian Gulf and Abu Dhabi's coastal islands before touchdown, putting the city's skyline, turquoise waters, and man-made islands on the left side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Abu Dhabi. While the right side offers a nice glimpse of D.C. at takeoff, the left side dominates during the long cruise phase, passing near Greenland's ice sheet, Iceland's volcanic coastline, Scandinavian fjords, and the Caspian Sea region, then wins again on arrival with the Abu Dhabi skyline and Gulf islands during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAD on a northeast heading toward the Atlantic, the aircraft passes just north of Washington D.C., putting the Potomac River, the National Mall's monuments, and the Chesapeake Bay shoreline on the right side of the cabin during climb-out. Notable sights include: Washington D.C. skyline, Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, Northern Virginia suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into AUH typically approach from the northwest, descending southeast over the Persian Gulf and Abu Dhabi's coastal islands before touchdown, putting the city's skyline, turquoise waters, and man-made islands on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline and Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Persian Gulf coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 12 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,075 miles (11,386 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight's midpoint lies over the North Atlantic and Arctic fringe near southern Greenland and the Norwegian Sea, with the route later curving southeast across Scandinavia, Russia, and the Caucasus/Caspian Sea region before descending into the Persian Gulf.