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CMB → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior primarily for the approach into Dubai; it typically offers the most iconic views of the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai skyline during the final descent.
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Negombo Coastline
Immediate views of the golden beaches and lagoon of Negombo just after departing Colombo.
Laccadive Sea
A vast expanse of deep blue water as the flight traverses towards the Arabian Peninsula.
Al Hajar Mountains
The rugged, arid peaks of the Hajar range stretching across Oman and the UAE.
Dubai Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Burj Khalifa and the dense skyscrapers of Sheikh Zayed Road on approach.
Meydan Racecourse
The massive, architecturally unique horse racing facility visible during the base leg of the landing.
For the best experience, book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On the standard arrival (often the DESDI or BUBIN transitions), the left side faces the city. If flying at night, the sea of lights in Dubai is breathtaking; if flying by day, watch for the stark transition from desert to metropolis.
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Indian Subcontinent Coast
Distances views of the Konkan and Malabar coasts depending on the specific seasonal flight corridor.
Musandam Peninsula
The dramatic 'Fjords of Arabia' featuring limestone cliffs dropping into the turquoise sea.
Strait of Hormuz
View of the busy shipping lanes where the world's oil tankers navigate the narrow passage to the Persian Gulf.
The World Islands
An aerial perspective of the man-made archipelago shaped like a map of the world off the coast.
Sharjah Cityscape
Panoramic views of Sharjah’s lagoons and high-rises before entering Dubai air space.
The right side is ideal for spotting the unique geography of the Musandam Peninsula and the man-made islands. If the wind dictates a landing from the north (Runway 12), the right side actually gains an advantage for the coastline, but this is less common than the southern approach.
Book Hotels in DubaiDistance: 3,288 km (2,043 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min
Departure: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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