The left side wins overall because it captures a richer sweep of mountain scenery across the entire flight—the Alps near Vienna, the Balkan ranges, Turkey's Taurus Mountains, and the distant Zagros Mountains near the Gulf—giving far more topographic variety than the largely flat desert seen on the right during cruise.
Flown VIE to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vienna to Abu Dhabi is 2,635 miles (4,241 km), a flight of about 6 hours 5 minutes.
Balkan mountain ranges over Serbia and Bulgaria, the Anatolian plateau and Taurus Mountains in Turkey, followed by the Syrian and Arabian deserts leading toward the Zagros Mountains and the Persian Gulf coastline
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from VIE
LEFTDeparting VIE toward the south on runway 16, the left side offers views of the Vienna Woods and the foothills of the Alps rising to the southwest, while the Danube and city of Vienna recede behind. The right side mostly shows flatter Pannonian farmland with less relief.
Landing at AUH
RIGHTOn approach into AUH from the northwest over the Persian Gulf, the right side faces southwest toward the turquoise Gulf waters, Abu Dhabi's skyline, and its man-made islands, offering a striking urban-coastal view. The left side mainly shows flat desert terrain inland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schwechat (VIE) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vienna to Abu Dhabi. The left side wins overall because it captures a richer sweep of mountain scenery across the entire flight—the Alps near Vienna, the Balkan ranges, Turkey's Taurus Mountains, and the distant Zagros Mountains near the Gulf—giving far more topographic variety than the largely flat desert seen on the right during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Schwechat in Vienna?
During takeoff from Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing VIE toward the south on runway 16, the left side offers views of the Vienna Woods and the foothills of the Alps rising to the southwest, while the Danube and city of Vienna recede behind. The right side mostly shows flatter Pannonian farmland with less relief. Notable sights include: Vienna Woods, Danube River, Vienna city outskirts, distant Alpine foothills.
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. On approach into AUH from the northwest over the Persian Gulf, the right side faces southwest toward the turquoise Gulf waters, Abu Dhabi's skyline, and its man-made islands, offering a striking urban-coastal view. The left side mainly shows flat desert terrain inland. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi skyline, Saadiyat and Yas Islands, coastal mangroves.
How long is the flight from Vienna to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Schwechat (VIE) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 6 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,635 miles (4,241 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vienna to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
Balkan mountain ranges over Serbia and Bulgaria, the Anatolian plateau and Taurus Mountains in Turkey, followed by the Syrian and Arabian deserts leading toward the Zagros Mountains and the Persian Gulf coastline