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SAH → GXF
Which side of the plane to sit from Sana'a International Airport (Sanaa) to Sayun International Airport (Sayun Intl)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of Yemen's iconic landscape, including the high desert dunes of Ramlat al-Sab'atayn and the world-famous mud-brick skyscrapers of Shibam during the approach to Sayun.
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Jabal Nuqum
The towering mountain that looms over eastern Sana'a, visible immediately after departure.
Ramlat al-Sab'atayn
Stunning vistas of shifting orange sand dunes in the heart of the Yemeni desert.
Manhattan of the Desert
The historic walled city of Shibam, famous for its ancient mud-brick high-rises, often visible during the descent into Sayun.
Wadi Hadhramaut Valley
A striking contrast of lush green date palm groves nestled within a deep, steep-walled canyon.
Tarim Architecture
The distinctive white palaces and minarets of Tarim, a spiritual center in the valley, as you approach the airport.
The right side is essential for viewing Shibam; check the flight path as the plane often banks over the valley before landing. An afternoon flight is ideal for photography, as the low sun highlights the texture of the sand dunes and the geometric shadows of the mud-brick towers in Wadi Hadhramaut.
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Old City Sana'a
Bird's eye view of the UNESCO-listed ancient city with its unique gingerbread-style architecture shortly after takeoff.
Northern Sarawat Peaks
Dramatic views of the rugged, high-altitude mountain ranges that border the Sana'a basin to the north.
Rub' al Khali Fringe
Vast, hazy views of the southern edge of the Empty Quarter, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world.
Al-Jawl Plateau
The stark, sun-bleached limestone plateaus that characterize the interior of eastern Yemen.
Northern Wadis
Intricate networks of dry riverbeds carving deep veins into the desert landscape.
Sit on the left if you want to see the expansive scale of the plateau. Morning flights provide the clearest views of the distant Empty Quarter before the heat haze builds up. Watch for the dramatic transition from the green mountain terraces to the arid inland plains.
Get eSIMs for Yemen
Get eSIMs for YemenDistance: 492 km (306 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: SAH (15.476300239562988, 44.21969985961914)
Arrival: GXF (15.9660997391, 48.78829956049999)
Route Type: Domestic
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