Loading map...
RUH → AHB
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Abha Regional Airport (Abha)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the most dramatic geological transitions in Saudi Arabia, including the Tuwaiq Escarpment and the steep cliff faces of the Asir Mountains.
Search flights from RUH to AHB
KAFD Skyline
The iconic skyscrapers of the King Abdullah Financial District are frequently visible after takeoff.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
The magnificent 'Edge of the World' limestone cliffs cutting a 600km path through the desert.
Jabal Soodah
Views of the highest peak in Saudi Arabia, often piercing through a layer of high-altitude clouds.
The Tihama Drop
The dramatic 2,000-meter vertical drop from the mountain plateau down toward the coastal plains.
Abha Landmarks
The colorful buildings of Art Street and the cable car stations visible during the final descent.
For the most dramatic experience, choose an afternoon flight; the setting sun creates long shadows that emphasize the height of the Tuwaiq and Asir cliffs. Be prepared for the 'Sea of Clouds' effect near Abha, which is most common in early morning or late afternoon during the winter and spring seasons.
Book Hotels in Abha
Southern Riyadh
Bird's eye view of the sprawling residential and industrial expansion of the capital city.
Al-Kharj Farms
Vast circular irrigation fields that appear as bright green geometric shapes against the sand.
Wadi ad-Dawasir
A historic desert valley featuring ancient settlements and modern agricultural hubs.
Sarawat Plateau
The inland slopes of the mountain range characterized by traditional stone architecture and terraced farming.
Sit here during morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side provides the best perspective of the unique circular irrigation patterns in the central desert regions. During the winter months, look for occasional greening of the desert valleys after rare rainfall.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 856 km (532 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: AHB (18.2404003143, 42.65660095210001)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.