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MXP → AUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Malpensa International Airport (Milano) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the initial climb over the Italian Alps and better odds of spotting the iconic Dubai skyline during the approach into Abu Dhabi.
The Italian Alps
Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alpine peaks immediately following departure from Malpensa.
Belgrade & Danube
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers is clearly visible as you cross over the Serbian capital.
Pontic Mountains
Rugged and often snow-dusted ridges stretching across Northern Turkey toward the Black Sea.
Persian Gulf Shoreline
The contrast between the deep blue gulf waters and the white sands of the Arabian Peninsula.
Dubai Skyline
On a clear day, the Burj Khalifa and the dense skyscrapers of Dubai are visible during the descent.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to avoid the harshest sun glare. Keep your camera ready in the first 20 minutes for the Alps, and look out about 30 minutes before landing for the UAE coastline. During night flights, the left side provides a better view of the brilliantly lit urban sprawl of the Emirates.
Adriatic Coastline
Views of the turquoise waters and thousands of islands along the Croatian and Balkan coast.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, golden-hued high-altitude plains and salt lakes of Central Turkey.
Arabian Desert
Intricate wind-swept sand patterns and rolling dunes as you enter the airspace of the UAE.
Yas Island
The bright red roof of Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit often appear during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights if you want to see the sun setting over the desert horizon. It offers a more consistent view of the desert's changing colors. If the flight path takes a southerly route, you may also catch glimpses of the Greek islands in the Mediterranean.
Distance: 4,714 km (2,929 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 33 min
Departure: MXP (45.6306, 8.728110000000001)
Arrival: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Route Type: International
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