While the right side wins the brief takeoff and landing moments, the twelve-plus hour cruise favors the left side, which passes over southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords near the route's northern vertex, followed by the Norwegian Sea and Norway's mountainous coast — the most dramatic terrain of the entire flight.
Flight Path
The route's northern vertex crosses southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords near 65°N, then continues over the Norwegian Sea and Norway's fjord coastline before bending southeast across Scandinavia toward Russia and the Caspian region.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTORD departures bound for the Middle East typically depart west then bank right onto a northeasterly course toward Canada, and that turn swings downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the right side before the city falls away behind.
Landing at AUH
RIGHTArrivals into AUH from the north cross the Persian Gulf before turning onto the southeast-facing runway, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island on the right side just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Abu Dhabi. While the right side wins the brief takeoff and landing moments, the twelve-plus hour cruise favors the left side, which passes over southern Greenland's ice sheet and fjords near the route's northern vertex, followed by the Norwegian Sea and Norway's mountainous coast — the most dramatic terrain of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. ORD departures bound for the Middle East typically depart west then bank right onto a northeasterly course toward Canada, and that turn swings downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan's shoreline into view on the right side before the city falls away behind. Notable sights include: Downtown Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago's Loop and lakefront parks, O'Hare's surrounding suburban grid.
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 cross the Persian Gulf before turning onto the southeast-facing runway, putting Abu Dhabi's skyline, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island on the right side just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline along the Corniche, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, turquoise Persian Gulf shallows.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes 13h 50m.
What does the Chicago to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The route's northern vertex crosses southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords near 65°N, then continues over the Norwegian Sea and Norway's fjord coastline before bending southeast across Scandinavia toward Russia and the Caspian region.