About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to Dubai International (DXB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Dubai. Left side wins both the departure and arrival phases with the most interesting urban and coastal views. During the cruise, the left side also faces south over the Zagros Mountains of Iran and the Persian Gulf coastline on descent, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Stansted's primary departure runway is 04 (heading northeast), so a left-side seat looks northwest over the Essex/Hertfordshire countryside and toward the outskirts of Greater London. You get a clear view of the M11 corridor, Harlow, and on clear days the Thames Estuary glinting to the west. Right side faces open farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Thames Estuary to the west, Harlow new town grid below, M11/M25 motorway interchange, Lee Valley reservoirs chain.
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 landing runway is 30L/30R (heading northwest), meaning the aircraft approaches from the southeast over the Gulf. A left-side seat faces southwest, giving you the Dubai Creek, Deira, and the downtown skyline including the Burj Khalifa as you descend. Right side looks out over open desert and the less developed outskirts. Notable sights include: Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline, Dubai Creek and Deira district, Palm Jumeirah, Sheikh Zayed Road tower corridor.
How long is the flight from London to Dubai?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to Dubai International (DXB) takes Approximately 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.
What does the London to Dubai flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast across Europe over Belgium, Germany, Austria and the Alps, then across the Balkans and Turkey. Over eastern Turkey and into Iran the Zagros Mountain range is visible — a dramatic series of parallel folded ridges extending hundreds of miles. The route then crosses the Persian Gulf lowlands of southern Iran before descending over the Gulf itself toward Dubai. The Strait of Hormuz and the Musandam Peninsula of Oman may be visible to the south on clear days during descent.