Loading map...
LHR → AUH
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more scenic descent over the Persian Gulf and superior views of the Zagros Mountains and Abu Dhabi's unique island geography upon arrival.
Search flights from LHR to AUH
Central London
On an easterly takeoff, catch stunning views of the Thames, the Shard, and the City of London.
The Austrian Alps
Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks as the flight path typically crosses over Central Europe.
Black Sea Coast
The transition from the Turkish coastline into the vast expanse of the Black Sea.
Zagros Mountains
Dramatic, folded limestone ridges and deep canyons visible over western Iran or eastern Iraq.
Kuwait City
The urban sprawl and iconic Kuwait Towers visible along the northwestern curve of the Gulf.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Often visible on the left side during the final approach into AUH airport.
For the typical morning or midday LHR-AUH departure, the left side avoids the harshest direct sunlight. Keep your window shade open roughly 5 hours into the flight for the Zagros Mountains. On the approach to AUH, the left side usually provides the best view of the mangrove forests and the city's skyline.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for United Arab EmiratesEnglish Channel
Views of the White Cliffs of Dover and the busy shipping lanes between UK and France.
Bavarian Landscapes
Rolling hills and historic German towns visible when flying a more southerly European route.
Anatolia Plateau
The rugged, arid landscapes of central Turkey with its unique geological formations.
Mesopotamian Plains
The historic fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
Doha Skyline
Distant views of the West Bay skyscrapers in Qatar as you begin your descent.
If you are taking the late evening flight (the 'red-eye'), the right side is preferred to catch the sunrise over the Arabian Peninsula. During the day, be prepared for intense glare from the sun as you fly southeast; keep the window blind partially closed to stay cool.
Book Hotels in Abu DhabiDistance: 5,517 km (3,428 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 29 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.