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RUH → ELQ
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Gassim Airport (Gassim)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more dramatic view of the Tuwaiq Escarpment's limestone ridges and the sprawling palm groves surrounding Unaizah before landing.
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Diriyah Heritage Site
Aerial view of the historic district and the winding Hanifa Valley shortly after departure.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
Dramatic views of the 'Edge of the World' limestone cliffs cutting through the central plateau.
Red Sand Dunes
Vibrant orange and red sand formations that contrast sharply against the rocky Najd plains.
Unaizah Oasis
The dense green carpet of date palm plantations surrounding the city of Unaizah during descent.
For late afternoon flights, the left side is ideal as it avoids the harsh sun glare while illuminating the Tuwaiq cliffs in golden hues. Look down within the first 10 minutes for the best desert vistas.
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King Khaled Terminals
A great bird's-eye view of the airport's distinctive triangular architecture upon takeoff.
Circular Irrigation
Vast green circular agricultural pivots that look like geometric patterns on the desert floor.
Buraydah Skyline
A clear view of the Al-Qassim provincial capital's urban sprawl and landmark water towers.
Choose the right side for morning flights to see the desert landscape bathed in soft light. Keep your camera ready during descent to capture the unique geometry of the Al-Qassim farms.
Book Hotels in GassimDistance: 329 km (204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 33 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: ELQ (26.30279922485352, 43.77439880371094)
Route Type: Domestic
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