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CTU → AUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side dominates this route with spectacular views of the southern Himalayan peaks, the high-altitude lakes of the Tibetan Plateau, and the dramatic fold mountains of Iran.
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Gongga Shan
Shortly after takeoff, witness the 'King of Sichuan Mountains' rising to 7,556 meters.
Southern Himalayas
Breathtaking vistas of the world's highest peaks looking south across the Tibetan border.
Tibetan Alpine Lakes
Deep turquoise glacial lakes contrasting against the arid, high-altitude plateau terrain.
Zagros Mountains
Incredible geological folds and salt domes visible as you cross through southern Iran.
Dubai Horizon
On clear days, the distant Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline are visible during the descent into the UAE.
For morning flights, the sun illuminates the Himalayan peaks perfectly from the south. The most dramatic terrain occurs in the first 3 hours of the flight. Ensure you choose a seat away from the wing to capture the vast scale of the Tibetan Plateau and the Iranian coastline.
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Pamir Mountains
The rugged 'Roof of the World' where Central Asian mountain ranges converge.
Dasht-e Kavir
The Great Salt Desert of Iran, featuring unique white crusts and desolate, beautiful landscapes.
Persian Gulf
Vibrant turquoise waters and industrial maritime activity as the flight enters UAE airspace.
Yas Island
A bird's-eye view of Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit during the final approach to AUH.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Iranian deserts. It offers a superior view of the Persian Gulf islands and the architectural developments of Abu Dhabi during the final landing sequence.
Book Hotels in Abu DhabiDistance: 4,872 km (3,027 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 44 min
Departure: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Arrival: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Route Type: International
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