Loading map...

AHB destination photo
TIF destination photo

AHBTIF

Which side of the plane to sit from Abha Regional Airport (Abha) to Ta’if Regional Airport (Taif)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Sarawat Mountain escarpment, providing views of steep vertical drops, coastal plains, and the Red Sea horizon.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
⛰️

Asir Escarpment

Dramatic cliffs and jagged peaks that drop sharply from the high plateau down to the coastal lowlands.

🛣️

The Aqabat Roads

Intricate, zig-zagging mountain passes carved into the cliffside connecting the highlands to the Tihamah region.

🌊

Red Sea Horizon

On clear days, the distant blue expanse of the Red Sea is visible beyond the coastal Tihamah plain.

☁️

Sea of Clouds

Frequent morning mist and cloud formations trapped against the mountain peaks, creating a surreal white carpet.

🏔️

Jabal Sawda

Glimpses of the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia shortly after departure from Abha.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. This side is superior for viewing the dramatic verticality of the terrain. Look out immediately after takeoff as the plane follows the mountain ridge northward. If flying in winter or spring, look for greenery on the upper slopes.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

Khamis Mushait

The dense urban layout and airbase of Abha's sister city visible shortly after takeoff.

🏜️

High Plateaus

The expansive, flatter terrain of the Arabian Shield extending eastward toward the center of the kingdom.

🏜️

Wadi Systems

Dry riverbeds and seasonal watercourses that create intricate patterns across the desert landscape.

🍑

Taif Orchards

The agricultural belts and rose fields surrounding Taif as the flight begins its final descent.

The right side is best for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, illuminating the landscape. It provides a better sense of the scale of the Arabian interior. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition from high mountain desert to the fertile valleys surrounding Taif during the approach.

Top Activities in Taif
Route Information

Distance: 423 km (263 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 42 min

Departure: AHB (18.2404003143, 42.65660095210001)

Arrival: TIF (21.483001, 40.543442)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.