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LYS → DXB
Which side of the plane to sit from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (Lyon) to Dubai International Airport (Dubai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most spectacular views of the snow-capped Alps shortly after takeoff and the dramatic, folded landscapes of the Zagros Mountains before reaching the Persian Gulf.
The High Alps
Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the highest peaks of the French and Italian Alps approximately 20-30 minutes after departure.
The Dolomites
Distinctive limestone formations and jagged peaks as the flight crosses Northern Italy.
Taurus Mountains
Rugged terrain and high-altitude lakes across Southern Turkey.
Tigris and Euphrates
The historic rivers of Mesopotamia winding through the desert landscapes of Iraq.
Zagros Mountains
Incredible folded rock layers and salt domes visible as the flight traverses the Iranian border region.
Sharjah Skyline
Views of the neighboring emirate of Sharjah during the final descent into DXB.
For morning departures, the left side is shaded, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Keep your window shade open for the first 45 minutes to catch the Alps, and again about 90 minutes before landing for the Zagros range. Winter flights offer the best contrast with heavy snow on the European peaks.
Adriatic Sea
Deep blue waters and the fragmented coastline of the Dalmatian Islands.
Aegean Archipelago
Clusters of Greek islands dotting the turquoise sea during the Mediterranean crossing.
Cyprus
Often passing directly over or near the southern coast of the island of Cyprus.
Arabian Desert
Expansive orange and red sand dunes of the northern Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai Landmarks
If landing from the northwest, the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah are often visible on the right side.
The right side is superior for sunset views on afternoon departures. When approaching Dubai, if the aircraft lands on Runway 12 (the most common direction), the right side offers the iconic view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline; however, this is subject to Air Traffic Control routing which can vary.
Distance: 4,988 km (3,099 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 52 min
Departure: LYS (45.725556, 5.081111)
Arrival: DXB (25.252799987800003, 55.3643989563)
Route Type: International
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