The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Alpine scenery during climb-out from Zurich and a scenic Gulf coastline approach into Abu Dhabi, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain during the same phases.
Flown ZRH to AUH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zurich to Abu Dhabi is 2,969 miles (4,779 km), a flight of about 6 hours 5 minutes.
The route's midpoint falls over the Eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus, with the coasts of southern Turkey and Syria visible before the flight continues over the arid expanses of the Syrian and Arabian deserts toward the Persian Gulf.
Great circle distance and headings ›
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
RIGHTDeparting ZRH toward the southeast, the Swiss Alps rise immediately south of the flight path, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of snow-capped peaks minutes after takeoff. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter Swiss plateau and northern farmland with no comparable drama.
Landing at AUH
RIGHTOn approach to AUH from the northwest, the aircraft descends over the Persian Gulf with Abu Dhabi's coastal skyline, man-made islands, and turquoise shallow waters visible to the right. The left side mostly shows open Gulf water or featureless desert with little visual interest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Abu Dhabi. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic Alpine scenery during climb-out from Zurich and a scenic Gulf coastline approach into Abu Dhabi, while the left side offers comparatively flat, unremarkable terrain during the same phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing ZRH toward the southeast, the Swiss Alps rise immediately south of the flight path, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of snow-capped peaks minutes after takeoff. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter Swiss plateau and northern farmland with no comparable drama. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Lake Walen (Walensee), Glarus Alps, Zurich city outskirts.
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 to AUH from the northwest, the aircraft descends over the Persian Gulf with Abu Dhabi's coastal skyline, man-made islands, and turquoise shallow waters visible to the right. The left side mostly shows open Gulf water or featureless desert with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Persian Gulf coastline, Abu Dhabi skyline (Etihad Towers area), Saadiyat and Yas Islands, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Abu Dhabi?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Abu Dhabi International (AUH) takes about 6 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,969 miles (4,779 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zurich to Abu Dhabi flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls over the Eastern Mediterranean near Cyprus, with the coasts of southern Turkey and Syria visible before the flight continues over the arid expanses of the Syrian and Arabian deserts toward the Persian Gulf.