Takeoff views from the right side are superior—the northern Mahe coastline and open Indian Ocean provide more sustained visual interest than the interior peaks. Landing favors the left, but the takeoff experience is more rewarding for window-seat photography.
Flown SEZ to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Mahe to Abu Dhabi is 2,013 miles (3,239 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea and enters the Persian Gulf region. Notable features include the Laccadive Islands (visible far to the north around 2 hours into flight), the open Arabian Sea with minimal landmarks, and the approach to the Strait of Hormuz region. The Musandam Peninsula (Oman) may be visible to the north on the right side during the final descent phase. The coastline of Oman and the UAE gradually becomes visible 1.5 hours before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEZ
RIGHTSEZ typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats offer views of the northern Mahe coastline and the Indian Ocean stretching toward the Seychelles Bank. Left side faces the interior granite peaks and southern islands, which are less visually distinctive during climb-out.
Landing at AUH
LEFTAUH typically lands runway 31L or 31R (eastbound approach). Left-side seats on descent toward Abu Dhabi offer views of the Persian Gulf coastline, the Hajar Mountains to the south, and the UAE's coastal development. Right side faces open gulf water with less geographic interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seychelles International (SEZ) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mahe to Abu Dhabi. Takeoff views from the right side are superior—the northern Mahe coastline and open Indian Ocean provide more sustained visual interest than the interior peaks. Landing favors the left, but the takeoff experience is more rewarding for window-seat photography.
What can I see during takeoff from Seychelles International in Mahe?
During takeoff from Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEZ typically departs runway 02 (northbound). Right-side seats offer views of the northern Mahe coastline and the Indian Ocean stretching toward the Seychelles Bank. Left side faces the interior granite peaks and southern islands, which are less visually distinctive during climb-out. Notable sights include: Mahe's northern coast and reef line, Indian Ocean horizon, Silhouette Island (visible to the northwest at distance), Seychelles Bank shallow waters.
What can I see when landing at Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
When landing at Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. AUH typically lands runway 31L or 31R (eastbound approach). Left-side seats on descent toward Abu Dhabi offer views of the Persian Gulf coastline, the Hajar Mountains to the south, and the UAE's coastal development. Right side faces open gulf water with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Hajar Mountains (southern horizon), Persian Gulf coastline and shallow waters, Abu Dhabi city and urban sprawl, Jebel Dhanna peninsula.
How long is the flight from Mahe to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Seychelles International (SEZ) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,013 miles (3,239 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Mahe to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea and enters the Persian Gulf region. Notable features include the Laccadive Islands (visible far to the north around 2 hours into flight), the open Arabian Sea with minimal landmarks, and the approach to the Strait of Hormuz region. The Musandam Peninsula (Oman) may be visible to the north on the right side during the final descent phase. The coastline of Oman and the UAE gradually becomes visible 1.5 hours before landing.