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RUH → KRT
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Khartoum International Airport (Khartoum)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic view of the journey: the confluence of the Blue and White Nile rivers upon arrival in Khartoum, alongside stunning views of the Asir mountains and Red Sea coral systems.
Southern Riyadh
Aerial views of the expanding southern districts of the Saudi capital and the industrial city of Al-Kharj.
Asir Highlands
Dramatic views of the rugged mountain peaks and deep wadis of the southwestern Arabian Shield.
Red Sea Reefs
Crystal clear turquoise water and intricate coral reef patterns along the Farasan Bank area.
The Blue Nile
The winding, dark-tinted waters of the Blue Nile as it approaches the Sudanese capital from the Ethiopian highlands.
The Confluence
The spectacular 'Mogran', where the Blue and White Niles meet to form the main Nile River.
Book a seat on the left for the descent into Khartoum; the pilot often banks in a way that provides a perfect top-down view of the two Niles merging. Morning flights are preferable to keep the sun behind you while crossing the Red Sea, enhancing the visibility of the coral reefs.
Tuwaiq Escarpment
The massive limestone cliff edge west of Riyadh, famously known as the 'Edge of the World'.
Hejaz Range
The northern stretch of the coastal mountains overlooking the Tihama coastal plain.
Sudanese Coastline
The transition from the deep blue of the Red Sea to the golden sands of the Nubian Desert near Port Sudan.
Bayuda Desert
A stark landscape of black volcanic rocks and ancient dry riverbeds in northern Sudan.
The Main Nile
The unified Nile River as it snakes northwards through the desert toward the Egyptian border.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights, as it captures the golden hour light reflecting off the Saharan sands. During the initial climb from Riyadh, look for the sharp drop-off of the Tuwaiq ridge which is best viewed from this side.
Distance: 1,804 km (1,121 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 24 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: KRT (15.589500427246096, 32.55319976806641)
Route Type: International
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