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DXB → IKA
Which side of the plane to sit from Dubai International Airport (Dubai) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (Tehran)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the iconic Mount Damavand during the final approach, alongside dramatic desert landscapes and the rugged Hajar Mountains shortly after takeoff.
Hajar Mountains
The jagged peaks along the UAE and Oman border are visible shortly after rotation from DXB.
Qeshm Island
The largest island in the Persian Gulf, featuring unique erosion patterns and the Hara Mangrove forests.
Dasht-e Kavir Fringes
The edge of Iran's great salt desert offers mesmerizing patterns of wind-swept sand and salt flats.
Mount Damavand
The highlight of the trip; the snow-capped volcanic cone of the highest peak in the Middle East is visible to the east during the approach.
The right side is the definitive choice for spotting Mount Damavand. Aim for a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the mountain during the descent. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the Zagros and Damavand peaks.
Dubai Skyline
Unmatched views of the Burj Khalifa and the coastline's artificial islands immediately following departure from DXB.
The Persian Gulf
Deep turquoise waters dotted with cargo ships and offshore oil platforms as the flight heads north.
Western Zagros Ranges
The sharp, folded limestone ridges of the western Zagros Mountains provide a dramatic geological display.
Namak Lake
As the flight nears Tehran, the expansive white salt crust of Namak Lake can often be seen glinting in the sun.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare while photographing the Dubai skyline. During the descent into IKA, keep an eye out for the stark transition from desert plains to the urban sprawl of southern Tehran.
Distance: 1,200 km (746 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Arrival: IKA (35.416099548339844, 51.152198791503906)
Route Type: International
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