The right side offers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Houston skyline on departure and a much stronger payoff on arrival with the Abu Dhabi skyline, Gulf coastline, and man-made islands, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean and flat terrain for most of the flight.
Flown IAH to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Abu Dhabi is 8,183 miles (13,169 km), a flight of about 14 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the North Atlantic near southern Greenland and Iceland, continues over the British Isles and continental Europe, passes near the Alps and the Mediterranean, then crosses Turkey, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf before reaching Abu Dhabi.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDepartures from IAH heading toward the Gulf typically bank east after initial climb, putting downtown Houston's skyline and the Buffalo Bayou corridor on the right side briefly before the aircraft settles onto its long transoceanic heading. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and refineries with no distinct landmarks.
Landing at AUH
RIGHTArrivals into AUH from the north typically descend over the Persian Gulf and turn south to align with the runways, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Corniche waterfront, and the artificial islands of Yas and Saadiyat on the right side of the aircraft. The left side during this turn mostly faces open Gulf water with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Abu Dhabi. The right side offers a brief but genuine glimpse of the Houston skyline on departure and a much stronger payoff on arrival with the Abu Dhabi skyline, Gulf coastline, and man-made islands, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean and flat terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from IAH heading toward the Gulf typically bank east after initial climb, putting downtown Houston's skyline and the Buffalo Bayou corridor on the right side briefly before the aircraft settles onto its long transoceanic heading. The left side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl and refineries with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, San Jacinto Monument area, Galveston Bay in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into AUH from the north typically descend over the Persian Gulf and turn south to align with the runways, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Corniche waterfront, and the artificial islands of Yas and Saadiyat on the right side of the aircraft. The left side during this turn mostly faces open Gulf water with little to see. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline and Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, turquoise shallows of the Persian Gulf.
How long is the flight from Houston to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 14 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,183 miles (13,169 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic near southern Greenland and Iceland, continues over the British Isles and continental Europe, passes near the Alps and the Mediterranean, then crosses Turkey, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf before reaching Abu Dhabi.