The right side combines a strong departure view of London with the Alps and Bosphorus region glimpsed during cruise, and finishes with Dubai's coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and skyline on arrival — a noticeably more varied and landmark-rich sequence than the left side's largely open-desert outlook.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Alps near Austria/Slovenia, then the Balkans and Anatolian plateau of Turkey, before passing over the Tigris-Euphrates lowlands of Iraq and the arid Iranian plateau near the Zagros foothills en route to the Persian Gulf.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTEastbound departures off Heathrow's westerly runways turn south then east, banking through a turn that puts central London on the right side — the Thames, Canary Wharf and the city skyline are visible before the aircraft tracks toward Kent and the Channel coast. The left side mainly shows the flatter suburbs and Surrey countryside.
Landing at DXB
RIGHTOn approach into Dubai from the northwest, the right side offers views of the turquoise Persian Gulf coastline, the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina skyline before the aircraft lines up on final approach. The left side mostly faces the flat, undeveloped desert interior with fewer landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Dubai. The right side combines a strong departure view of London with the Alps and Bosphorus region glimpsed during cruise, and finishes with Dubai's coastline, Palm Jumeirah, and skyline on arrival — a noticeably more varied and landmark-rich sequence than the left side's largely open-desert outlook.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures off Heathrow's westerly runways turn south then east, banking through a turn that puts central London on the right side — the Thames, Canary Wharf and the city skyline are visible before the aircraft tracks toward Kent and the Channel coast. The left side mainly shows the flatter suburbs and Surrey countryside. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf, Central London skyline, Kent countryside, Dover/English Channel coastline.
What can I see when landing at Dubai International in Dubai?
When landing at Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Dubai from the northwest, the right side offers views of the turquoise Persian Gulf coastline, the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Marina skyline before the aircraft lines up on final approach. The left side mostly faces the flat, undeveloped desert interior with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa skyline in the distance.
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Dubai International (DXB) takes 6h 55m.
What does the London to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Alps near Austria/Slovenia, then the Balkans and Anatolian plateau of Turkey, before passing over the Tigris-Euphrates lowlands of Iraq and the arid Iranian plateau near the Zagros foothills en route to the Persian Gulf.