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TUI → RUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Turaif Domestic Airport (Turaif) to King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a more diverse landscape, featuring the striking red dunes of the Great Nafud Desert and the dramatic granite peaks of the Hail region.
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Great Nafud Desert
The spectacular expanse of reddish-orange crescent-shaped dunes that dominate the central route.
Aja and Salma Mountains
The rugged granite massifs near Hail that rise sharply from the surrounding desert plains.
Qassim Pivot Irrigation
Vibrant green circular fields creating a geometric patchwork in the middle of the arid landscape.
Historic Diriyah
The mud-brick ruins of At-Turaif, the ancestral home of the Saudi Royal Family, visible on western approaches.
Riyadh Financial District
A stunning view of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) skyscrapers during the final descent.
Sit on the right for the most iconic Saudi landscapes, including the red sands and the Hail mountains. Afternoon flights provide excellent contrast and shadows on the dunes. During the descent, this side often gets the best view of the Riyadh skyline and the historic district of Diriyah if the wind dictates a northern approach.
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Turaif Phosphate Mines
Large-scale industrial mining operations visible shortly after takeoff near the northern border.
Al-Harrat Volcanic Fields
Distal views of ancient basaltic lava flows that create dark patches across the desert floor.
Ar'ar Plateaus
The vast, flat limestone wilderness of the Northern Borders Region stretching toward the horizon.
North Riyadh Suburbs
The rapid urban expansion of Riyadh's northern districts during the descent.
KKIA Terminals
A clear view of the iconic triangular roof structures of King Khaled International Airport on final approach.
Morning flights are ideal for the left side to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. Keep an eye out early for the massive phosphate processing plants, which are among the largest in the world. As you approach Riyadh, the left side provides a great perspective of the airport's unique architecture.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 1,080 km (671 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: TUI (31.692188, 38.731544)
Arrival: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Route Type: Domestic
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