About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Dubai. The right side wins overall. The Manila Bay departure view is the more dramatic of the two airport experiences, and during the cruise the right side faces generally south, giving views over the Andaman Sea, Sri Lanka's coastline if routing allows, and the Arabian Sea approach. The left side landing into DXB is good but a shorter payoff window.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay before turning west. The right side gives you a clear view back over Manila Bay, the reclaimed areas of Pasay, and the Manila city skyline. Left side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay but is partially obscured during the bank. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay (distant), Pasay/Roxas Boulevard reclamation area, Manila city skyline.
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 arrival runways 12L/12R bring aircraft in from the northwest over the desert, then over the Dubai urban core. The left side faces south toward the Dubai Creek, Deira, and the older city districts, while also giving views of the downtown skyline including the Burj Khalifa area as you descend. Right side faces north toward Sharjah and open desert. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, Dubai Creek and Deira district, Dubai Frame area, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
How long is the flight from Manila to Dubai?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the Manila to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northwest over the South China Sea, crosses Vietnam or southern China, transits the Bay of Bengal with Sri Lanka visible to the south on some routings, crosses southern India or the tip of the subcontinent near Kerala, then crosses the Arabian Sea before descending into Dubai. The Andaman Islands may be visible as small green specks in the Bay of Bengal. The Western Ghats of India appear as a dark ridge along the Indian coastline. The Arabian Sea is a long featureless water crossing of roughly 1,500 miles before the UAE coast appears.