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CMB → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Sri Lankan coastline upon departure and provides the most dramatic perspectives of the vast, rolling orange dunes of the Rub' al Khali desert during the approach to Riyadh.
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Negombo Lagoon
Immediate views of the sprawling lagoon and the interconnected Dutch Canal system right after takeoff.
Laccadive Sea
The transition from the shallow turquoise coastal waters of Sri Lanka to the deep indigo of the open ocean.
Rub' al Khali
The world's largest contiguous sand desert, featuring spectacular star dunes and vast, uninhabited sandy plains.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
Dramatic limestone cliffs that rise sharply from the desert floor as the flight nears the Riyadh plateau.
Book a window seat on the Port side (A) for optimal lighting; because the flight is heading Northwest, the sun will generally be on the opposite side, reducing glare. For the most vivid desert colors, choose a flight that arrives in Riyadh during the late afternoon when the low sun creates long shadows over the dunes.
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Colombo Skyline
Views of the Lotus Tower and the rapidly developing Port City Colombo during the initial climb.
Shipping Lanes
The Arabian Sea is a major maritime corridor; look for the white wakes of massive container ships and tankers.
Omani Highlands
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the rugged, arid mountains of the southeastern Arabian Peninsula.
Ad-Dahna Desert
A narrow strip of high-altitude red sand that connects the northern and southern desert regions of Saudi Arabia.
The right side (K) is preferable if you are taking a night flight, as it offers better views of the illuminated Colombo city center and the lit-up oil installations in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. During the day, keep your window shade down over the ocean to avoid the intense sun reflection, opening it only as you reach the coastline.
Book Hotels in RiyadhDistance: 4,040 km (2,510 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 45 min
Departure: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: International
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