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DWC → VKO
Which side of the plane to sit from Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai) to Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic Caucasus Mountains, including potential sightings of Mount Elbrus, and provides a better perspective of the Moscow skyline during standard arrival patterns into Vnukovo.
Palm Jebel Ali
Immediately after takeoff from DWC, look down to see the massive man-made palm island structure.
Zagros Mountains
Cross over the rugged, snow-capped peaks and deep valleys of western Iran.
Mount Elbrus
The highest peak in Europe is often visible as you transition from the Middle East into Russia.
Don River
The winding path of one of Russia's major rivers as it snakes through the southern plains.
Moscow Cityscape
On the final approach to VKO, the skyscrapers of Moscow City are frequently visible in the distance.
For day flights, the left side avoids direct southern sun glare for most of the journey. Keep your eyes peeled roughly 3 hours into the flight for the Caucasus range. During winter, the contrast between the Iranian deserts and the frozen Russian landscape is most striking from this side.
Dubai Skyline
A distant but clear view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown cluster shortly after departure.
Dasht-e Kavir
The vast, shimmering salt deserts of central Iran provide unique geometric patterns from high altitude.
Caspian Sea
Extensive views of the coastline where the Iranian highlands meet the world's largest inland sea.
Volga Delta
The intricate, green labyrinth of the Volga River as it empties into the Caspian near Astrakhan.
Russian Taiga
The transition into the dense, dark forests of central Russia as you head north toward Moscow.
The right side is ideal for capturing the sunrise on morning departures from DWC. It offers the best perspective of the Caspian Sea's vastness. Be aware that during mid-day flights, the sun will be on this side, which may cause significant window glare.
Distance: 3,711 km (2,306 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 22 min
Departure: DWC (24.896356, 55.161389)
Arrival: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Route Type: International
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