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IAD destination photo
DOH destination photo

IADDOH

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers the most dramatic geographic diversity, including potential sightings of the Greenland ice sheet, the rugged Caucasus mountains, and a superior view of the Doha skyline on approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
❄️

Greenland Ice Cap

Massive glaciers and deep fjords are often visible if the great circle route tracks through high latitudes.

🏔️

Caucasus Mountains

Stunning snow-capped peaks and deep valleys as the flight crosses between the Black and Caspian Seas.

🌊

Caspian Sea

The vast expanse of the world's largest inland body of water, showing unique shoreline patterns in Iran.

🏜️

Zagros Mountains

Incredible geological folds and desert landscapes during the transit over the Iranian plateau.

🏙️

The Pearl-Qatar

On final approach into DOH, this side typically offers a clear view of the iconic man-made island and West Bay.

For flights departing IAD in the evening, the Left Side is essential for spotting the Aurora Borealis over the North Atlantic during winter months. During the day, it provides the best lighting for photographing the Zagros mountains without sun glare. If the aircraft approaches Hamad International from the north, you will have a front-row seat to Doha's modern skyline.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🏖️

Chesapeake Bay

A beautiful view of the Maryland and Virginia coastline shortly after takeoff from Dulles.

🏙️

Western European Cities

Aerial views of London, Brussels, or Frankfurt depending on the specific airway used for the day.

🌊

Black Sea Coast

The southern coastline of Turkey and the strategic waters leading toward the Bosphorus.

🏺

Mesopotamian Plains

The historic fertile crescent and the winding paths of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in Iraq.

🛥️

Persian Gulf

Clear views of turquoise waters, offshore oil platforms, and heavy maritime traffic near the Strait of Hormuz.

The Right Side is ideal for capturing the sunset over Europe if the flight is on a mid-day or late-afternoon schedule. It offers a better perspective of the Mesopotamian river systems. When landing at DOH, this side often looks out over the open waters of the Gulf and the industrial port areas, which are beautifully lit at night.

Top Activities in Doha
Route Information

Distance: 11,127 km (6,914 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 5 min

Departure: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)

Arrival: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)

Route Type: International

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