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RUH → DAM
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Damascus International Airport (Damascus)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic geological contrasts, featuring the massive Tuwaiq Escarpment at departure and the snow-capped Anti-Lebanon mountains during the arrival phase.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
The dramatic limestone cliffs of Central Arabia, visible shortly after departing Riyadh's airspace.
An Nafud Desert
Vast stretches of reddish sand dunes that characterize the northern Saudi landscape.
Basaltic Fields
The dark, volcanic terrain of Harrat al-Sham crossing the borders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria.
Anti-Lebanon Mountains
The rugged mountain range separating Syria and Lebanon, visible during the descent into Damascus.
Sit on the left for afternoon flights to benefit from the sun illuminating the Tuwaiq cliffs. During the winter months, look for snow on the mountain peaks as you approach Damascus. Avoid seats over the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the shifting desert textures.
Riyadh Urban Edge
Views of the northern expansion of Riyadh and the King Khaled Airport complex upon takeoff.
Al-Qassim Greenery
Large-scale circular pivot irrigation farms providing a splash of green in the Al-Qassim region.
The Syrian Desert
The expansive stony plateau known as Al-Hamad, stretching toward the eastern horizon.
Jabal al-Druze
An elevated volcanic plateau in southern Syria featuring unique basaltic formations.
The right side is preferable for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct geometric patterns of the agricultural projects near Buraidah and Unayzah, which are most vibrant in the spring.
Distance: 1,363 km (847 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: DAM (33.4114990234375, 36.51559829711914)
Route Type: International
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