While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive—the Persian Gulf and Hajar Mountains provide better visual interest than Abu Dhabi's inland approach from the right. The left side captures the flight's transition from Taiwan's mountains to the Gulf's coastal geography.
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Flight Path
Taipei to Abu Dhabi is 4,132 miles (6,649 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, then the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. Notable features include the Strait of Malacca (narrow passage between Malaysia and Sumatra), the Andaman Islands (small archipelago visible from altitude), the Indian subcontinent's eastern coast, and the Arabian Sea before reaching the Persian Gulf. At cruise altitude, the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent, and on clear days, the transition from tropical maritime zones to arid Middle Eastern geography is striking.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
RIGHTTaipei typically departs runway 10L/10R heading northwest. Right-side seats face toward the Central Mountain Range and northern Taiwan coast as you climb, offering dramatic terrain and coastal views. Left seats see only the Taipei basin and urban sprawl.
Landing at AUH
LEFTAbu Dhabi typically lands runway 31L/31R heading northwest. Left-side seats on descent see the Persian Gulf coastline, the Hajar Mountains to the east, and the desert interior. Right seats face only inland desert and urban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Abu Dhabi. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is more dramatic and geographically distinctive—the Persian Gulf and Hajar Mountains provide better visual interest than Abu Dhabi's inland approach from the right. The left side captures the flight's transition from Taiwan's mountains to the Gulf's coastal geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Taipei typically departs runway 10L/10R heading northwest. Right-side seats face toward the Central Mountain Range and northern Taiwan coast as you climb, offering dramatic terrain and coastal views. Left seats see only the Taipei basin and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Central Mountain Range (Xueshan and Daxueshan peaks visible as a jagged spine), Taiwan Strait (expanding below as you climb), Taipei basin urban grid, northern Taiwan coastline near Keelung.
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. Abu Dhabi typically lands runway 31L/31R heading northwest. Left-side seats on descent see the Persian Gulf coastline, the Hajar Mountains to the east, and the desert interior. Right seats face only inland desert and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf (shallow turquoise waters with visible sandbars), Hajar Mountains (eastern horizon, appearing as a low brown ridge), Abu Dhabi city and Saadiyat Island, coastal salt flats and sabkha.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,132 miles (6,649 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the South China Sea, then the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. Notable features include the Strait of Malacca (narrow passage between Malaysia and Sumatra), the Andaman Islands (small archipelago visible from altitude), the Indian subcontinent's eastern coast, and the Arabian Sea before reaching the Persian Gulf. At cruise altitude, the curvature of the Earth becomes apparent, and on clear days, the transition from tropical maritime zones to arid Middle Eastern geography is striking.