Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic and Europe the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the left seat delivers Manhattan on departure and Dubai Creek plus the city on arrival, making it the clear choice for the whole journey.
Flight Path
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic, crossing southern Greenland or Iceland depending on the jet stream, then over the UK and central Europe, the Alps appearing as a bright white band in winter, then southeast over Turkey and the Anatolian plateau, the Taurus Mountains, northern Syria and Iraq, and finally the flat desert of the Arabian Peninsula before descending into Dubai. The Persian Gulf coastline becomes visible in the final 30 minutes.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK departures heading east or northeast on runways 13L/13R put Manhattan and the entire New York Harbor on the left side. You get a clear view of the skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and Brooklyn below before climbing out over the Atlantic.
Landing at DXB
LEFTDubai International's primary arrival runway 12L brings aircraft in from the northwest over the desert and then the city. Left-side seats get the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city grid, while right-side seats face mostly open desert and industrial port areas.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Dubai. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic and Europe the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the left seat delivers Manhattan on departure and Dubai Creek plus the city on arrival, making it the clear choice for the whole journey.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK departures heading east or northeast on runways 13L/13R put Manhattan and the entire New York Harbor on the left side. You get a clear view of the skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and Brooklyn below before climbing out over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge directly below.
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. Dubai International's primary arrival runway 12L brings aircraft in from the northwest over the desert and then the city. Left-side seats get the Dubai Creek, Deira district, and the older city grid, while right-side seats face mostly open desert and industrial port areas. Notable sights include: Dubai Creek and Deira district, downtown Dubai skyline with Burj Khalifa visible to the south, Palm Jumeirah visible in the distance to the southwest, Dubai Creek Golf Club.
How long is the flight from New York to Dubai?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.
What does the New York to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic, crossing southern Greenland or Iceland depending on the jet stream, then over the UK and central Europe, the Alps appearing as a bright white band in winter, then southeast over Turkey and the Anatolian plateau, the Taurus Mountains, northern Syria and Iraq, and finally the flat desert of the Arabian Peninsula before descending into Dubai. The Persian Gulf coastline becomes visible in the final 30 minutes.