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RIY → JED
Which side of the plane to sit from Mukalla International Airport (Mukalla) to King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a dramatic perspective on the geological diversity of the Arabian Peninsula, from the limestone canyons of Hadramaut to the towering peaks of the Asir region and the edge of the Empty Quarter.
Hadramaut Plateaus
Distinctive flat-topped mountains and deep wadis characteristic of eastern Yemen's interior.
Rub' al Khali Edge
The southern fringes of the 'Empty Quarter', showing vast, orange sand dunes meeting rocky terrain.
Najran Valley
A historic oasis region featuring unique traditional mud-brick architecture visible in the mountain folds.
Sarawat Mountains
The high-altitude spine of Saudi Arabia, often featuring clouds and greener terrain than the surrounding desert.
Hejaz Escarpment
Sharp, dramatic cliffs where the high interior plateau drops steeply toward the coastal plains.
The right side is ideal for afternoon departures to keep the sun behind the aircraft. It offers the most consistent geological variety, including the transition from Yemeni canyons to the rolling sand dunes of the Saudi desert interior.
Gulf of Aden
Expansive views of the deep blue waters of the Gulf immediately following departure from Mukalla.
Volcanic Fields
Ancient, dark volcanic landscapes and basalt flows visible in the southern regions of Yemen.
Tihama Coastal Plain
The wide, sandy lowlands that stretch between the mountains and the Red Sea shore.
Red Sea Lagoons
Stunning turquoise reefs and shallow coastal waters as the plane approaches Jeddah from the south.
King Fahd's Fountain
The iconic Jeddah landmark, the world's tallest fountain, is often visible during the final descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the coastline without the glare of the afternoon sun. This side is superior for spotting the city of Jeddah and the intricate coral formations of the Red Sea during the final approach.
Distance: 1,331 km (827 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 46 min
Departure: RIY (14.662599563598633, 49.375)
Arrival: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Route Type: International
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