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AUH → MXP
Which side of the plane to sit from Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi) to Malpensa International Airport (Milano)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior mountain vistas, including the rugged peaks of the Anatolian plateau and a spectacular approach into Italy featuring the southern edge of the Alps and Northern Italian lakes.
Persian Gulf
Views of the turquoise waters looking toward the Iranian coast early in the flight.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, often snow-capped peaks across Southern and Central Turkey.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, high-altitude landscapes of inner Turkey with extinct volcanoes and salt lakes.
The Alps
Stunning vistas of the Italian and Swiss Alps as the plane begins its descent into the Milan area.
Italian Lakes
Spectacular views of Lake Garda, Lake Iseo, or Lake Como depending on the landing approach.
The right side is the clear winner for scenic landscapes. During the descent into MXP, pilots often fly a pattern that provides a panoramic view of the Alps and the large pre-alpine lakes. For the best experience, choose a flight departing AUH in the morning to ensure daylight for the Turkish mountains and the spectacular arrival in Italy. Avoid seats over the wing for unobstructed views of the alpine glaciers.
Abu Dhabi Skyline
Bird's-eye view of the city's skyscrapers and Yas Island shortly after departure from AUH.
Arabian Deserts
Vast stretches of the Kuwaiti and Southern Iraqi desert landscapes with unique oil field patterns.
Adriatic Sea
The deep blue waters of the Adriatic as the flight transitions from the Balkans toward the Italian peninsula.
Apennine Mountains
Rolling green hills and limestone peaks of the central Italian range during the final hour of flight.
Po Valley
The highly organized agricultural and industrial landscape of Northern Italy during the descent.
Sit on the left for better views of the Arabian Peninsula's coastline during the initial climb. If the flight arrives in the afternoon, the left side will be facing south, providing bright sunlight for photography of the Adriatic coast, though glare can be an issue. Watch for the city of Bologna or Parma depending on the specific arrival vector into Malpensa.
Distance: 4,714 km (2,929 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 33 min
Departure: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Arrival: MXP (45.6306, 8.728110000000001)
Route Type: International
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