About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Dubai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over central Turkey, the Taurus Mountains are visible to the left (south) side, and over the Persian Gulf approach the left side again captures the coastline and Dubai Creek. Right side offers little compelling geography at either departure or arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. IST departures heading east typically use runways oriented roughly east-west. A left (north-facing) seat gives you the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its dense skyline, and the Sea of Marmara spreading to the southwest as you climb out. The right side faces south over suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area visible as dense urban mass), Prince's Islands in the Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Left side for the best views. DXB's primary runways run roughly 12L/30R and 12R/30L (heading approximately 120/300 degrees). Arriving from the northwest on a southeast heading, the left (northeast-facing) side looks over Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts. The right side faces southwest toward the desert interior with little of interest. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, Dubai city skyline visible to the southwest, Persian Gulf coastline, Palm Jumeirah visible in the distance to the west.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Dubai?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours.
What does the Istanbul to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route crosses central and southern Turkey over the Anatolian plateau, passing near the Taurus Mountain range in southern Turkey. It then crosses northern Syria and Iraq, transiting over the Mesopotamian plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The final segment crosses Kuwait and the northern Persian Gulf before descending into Dubai. The Zagros Mountains of western Iran may be visible to the northeast during the Gulf crossing.