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JED → CMB
Which side of the plane to sit from King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (Colombo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic desert landscapes of the Arabian Peninsula and the lush mountainous terrain of Sri Lanka's interior upon approach.
Jeddah Waterfront
Panoramic views of the Corniche and the King Fahd's Fountain shortly after takeoff.
Empty Quarter Dunes
The mesmerizing orange and gold patterns of the Rub' al Khali, the world's largest sand sea.
Dhofar Mountains
The rugged coastal mountains of southern Oman, offering a dramatic transition from desert to sea.
Sri Lankan Interior
Vibrant green landscapes and distant views of the central highlands during the descent.
Arabian Sea Sunrise
Spectacular sunrises over the water for overnight flights arriving in the early morning.
Opt for the left side on overnight flights to witness a breathtaking sunrise as you approach the Indian subcontinent. For photographers, the first 90 minutes of the flight offer the best lighting for capturing the intricate textures of the Saudi Arabian desert dunes. During the summer monsoon (June-September), look for the rare green mist over the Omani coast.
Red Sea Coastline
Striking views of the turquoise coral reefs and the deep blue of the Red Sea during departure.
Southern Desert Fringe
Aerial perspective of the remote southern borders of Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Salalah Shoreline
The pristine white sand beaches and rocky cliffs where the peninsula meets the Arabian Sea.
Negombo Lagoon
Clear views of the iconic fishing marshes and coastal wetlands just before touchdown at CMB.
Laccadive Sea Lanes
Spotting large cargo ships and tankers navigating the busy international shipping lanes near Sri Lanka.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while flying eastward. It offers the most consistent views of the coastline when approaching Colombo from the west. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for the colorful fishing boats in the Negombo lagoon.
Distance: 4,654 km (2,892 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 29 min
Departure: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Arrival: CMB (7.180759906768799, 79.88410186767578)
Route Type: International
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