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EBL → SHJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Erbil International Airport (Erbil) to Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular and continuous views of the rugged Zagros Mountains in Iran and the dramatic coastline of the Persian Gulf during the descent.
Zagros Mountain Range
Stunning aerial views of the snow-capped peaks and folded rock formations of the massive mountain system spanning western Iran.
Iranian Plateau
The high-altitude landscape of western Iran, featuring unique geological textures and remote mountain valleys.
Iranian Gulf Coast
Dramatic views of the turquoise waters clashing with the arid, mountainous coastline of the southern Iranian provinces.
Qeshm Island
Depending on the flight corridor, you may spot the largest island in the Persian Gulf with its unique erosive landscapes.
Sharjah & Ajman Skyline
Excellent views of the densely packed skyscrapers and lagoons of the Northern Emirates during the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind the aircraft, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Zagros Mountains. On evening flights, the mountains cast long, dramatic shadows that highlight the terrain's complexity. Watch for the sharp contrast between the arid mountains and the deep blue of the Gulf as you begin your descent.
Mesopotamian Basin
Views of the flat, historic plains of Iraq and the distant meandering paths of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Kuwaiti Coastline
Distant views of Kuwait City and the distinctive curve of the Kuwait Bay as the aircraft heads south.
Offshore Oil Fields
Dotted across the Persian Gulf, you can spot various oil platforms and tankers navigating the busy shipping lanes.
Dubai Skyline
On clear days during the descent into SHJ, the Burj Khalifa and the massive Dubai urban sprawl are visible in the distance.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, as you will witness the sun sinking into the Persian Gulf. Keep an eye out for the artificial islands and massive infrastructure projects along the UAE coast as you approach Sharjah. Use a polarizing filter if taking photos to cut through the haze often present over the Gulf waters.
Distance: 1,637 km (1,017 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 11 min
Departure: EBL (36.23759841918945, 43.96319961547852)
Arrival: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Route Type: International
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