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AUH → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the southern Himalayas and the dramatic descent into the lush Sichuan Basin, often providing glimpses of the world's highest peaks depending on the specific flight path.
UAE Coastline
A stunning aerial view of the Dubai and Sharjah skylines shortly after taking off from Abu Dhabi.
Balochistan Terrain
The intricate, eroded canyons and ridges of the Makran region in southern Pakistan.
The Himalayas
Breathtaking views of the southern Himalayan range, often including massive snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Yarlung Tsangpo River
The winding path of the Brahmaputra's upper reaches as it cuts through the Tibetan landscape.
Sichuan Basin
The dramatic transition from high-altitude glaciers to the misty, green plains of Sichuan during descent.
The right side is the premier choice for mountain lovers. If the flight is during the day, you will have front-row seats to the majestic Himalayas. To capture the best photos of the mountains, choose a seat behind the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. During the final hour of flight, watch for the rapid change in elevation as you drop into the Sichuan Basin.
Iranian Coastline
Clear views of the rugged northern shores of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz shortly after departure.
Zagros Mountains
The striking folded limestone ridges of the northern Zagros range stretching across Iran.
Dasht-e Kavir
The vast salt deserts of the Iranian plateau featuring unique geological patterns and salt crusts.
Kunlun Mountains
Dramatic views of one of the longest mountain chains in Asia, forming the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
High Altitude Lakes
Glimpses of isolated turquoise lakes like Siling Co or Namtso scattered across the northern Tibetan landscape.
The left side is best for observing the vast, desolate beauty of the Iranian deserts and the northern extent of the Tibetan Plateau. For night flights, this side avoids the glare of the sun during early morning arrivals in Chengdu. Look out for the stark contrast between the arid Iranian plains and the snow-capped Kunlun range.
Distance: 4,872 km (3,027 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 44 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: International
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