Owais Crawford
Many travellers are keen to catch a glimpse of the Burj Khalifa when flying into or out of Dubai Airport. However, getting a good view of the iconic building from the plane can be tricky and depends on various factors, including the direction of the runway and the side of the plane you're sitting on. Some travellers recommend sitting on the right-hand side of the plane when the southerly runway is in use, while others suggest the left side when the runway approaches from the north-west. Ultimately, it may come down to luck, as there's no guarantee of which side the plane will approach the airport. Taking clear photos of the Burj Khalifa from the plane can also be challenging, especially at night due to lighting and camera limitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best side of the plane to see Burj Khalifa | Right-hand side if the southerly runway is in use; Left-hand side if the northerly runway is in use |
| Best time to see Burj Khalifa from the plane | During the day (it's difficult to get a good photo at night due to glare, poor camera performance in low light, and vibrations of the aircraft) |
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What You'll Learn
Best side of the plane to see Burj Khalifa
To see the Burj Khalifa from the plane when flying into Dubai Airport (DXB), most sources suggest that the left-hand side of the plane is the best option. This is because the northerly runway is used over 80% of the time, and when it is, the Burj Khalifa is visible on the left-hand side. If you're lucky, you might even get a departure with a left turn, allowing you to circle downtown Dubai counter-clockwise and get an even better view.
However, if the southerly runway is in use, you'd want to be on the right-hand side of the plane. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to predict in advance which runway will be used, and therefore which side of the plane to choose. For departures, you may be able to change your seat at check-in after checking the runway direction, but for arrivals, it's close to impossible to know for sure.
Additionally, even if you're on the correct side of the plane, visibility may not be ideal due to pollution, fog, moisture, or sand in the air. This means that even if you're on the left-hand side and the northerly runway is in use, you might not get a clear view or be able to take good pictures of the Burj Khalifa.
On the way out of Dubai, it's even less likely that you'll get a view of the Burj Khalifa during landing, as the northerly runways are typically used for arrivals, which means you'll be approaching over the desert and not flying past the city. So, unfortunately, getting a good view of the Burj Khalifa from your plane window really comes down to luck, and even if you're on the correct side, there are no guarantees.
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Runway direction and its impact on the view
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the primary international airport serving Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic as of 2024. The airport is situated in the Al Garhoud district, 2.54 nautical miles (4.70 km; 2.92 mi) east of the city centre of Dubai.
The airport initially had a single runway made of compacted sand, which was 1,800 metres long (5,900 ft). This was constructed alongside three turning areas, an apron, and a small terminal, and was completed in 1960. In 1963, construction began on a new 2,800-metre (9,200 ft) asphalt runway, which opened in 1965, along with the original sand runway and a new taxiway.
In 1984, a new runway was added, located 360 metres north of and parallel to the existing runway. This brought the total number of runways at the airport to two. These runways are oriented in two directions, with one runway located to the north of the other.
The direction of the runways at an airport is determined by various factors, including wind patterns and local weather conditions. Airports with multiple runways often have them oriented in different directions to account for varying wind conditions and to maximise runway uptime. In the case of Dubai International Airport, the northerly and southerly runways offer different views of the city when approaching or departing.
When using the southerly runway, passengers seated on the right-hand side of the aircraft will have a good view of the Burj Khalifa. On the other hand, when the northerly runway is in use, the iconic tower may not be visible at all. However, it is worth noting that most approaches to the airport fly a downwind to the northeast, so the right-hand side of the aircraft generally offers the best chances of seeing the Burj Khalifa, as well as the Dubai skyline.
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Taking photos of Burj Khalifa from the plane
If you want to take photos of the Burj Khalifa from your plane, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it depends on which runway is in use—if it's the southerly runway, a seat on the right-hand side of the plane will give you a good view. However, if it's the northerly runway, you might not see the Burj Khalifa at all, although some sources still suggest the right-hand side as most approaches fly a downwind to the north-east of the airport.
To increase your chances of getting a good photo, choose a window seat on the right-hand side of the plane, as this will offer you a clearer view. Be mindful of the timing of your flight as well. Taking photos at night can be challenging due to the glare of cabin lights and screens, the poor low-light performance of phone cameras, and aircraft vibrations that can make it difficult to keep your camera steady for the required longer exposure time. If you have a DSLR camera, you may have more success capturing clear photos in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the side of the plane with a view of the Burj Khalifa can vary. Some travellers suggest that the left side (as you enter) is the best side to see the Burj Khalifa, especially if the pilot approaches from the north-west. However, others have mentioned that they've only had one good view of the Burj Khalifa out of multiple flights, so your chances of getting a clear photo may depend on a combination of factors, including the runway and approach side, as well as your seat choice.
To summarise, if you want to take photos of the Burj Khalifa from your plane, opt for a window seat on the right-hand side for the best potential view, especially if the southerly runway is in use. If you're landing at night, consider using a DSLR camera for better low-light performance. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees, and factors like the approach side and runway in use can impact your view, so be prepared to capture the moment quickly if the opportunity arises.
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Getting a window seat to see Burj Khalifa
If you want to get a window seat to see the Burj Khalifa, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the Burj Khalifa is usually visible from the left side of the plane, as you enter, about 80% of the time when taking off from Dubai Airport. However, this depends on the direction of the runway being used. If you're lucky, you might get a departure with a left turn, allowing you to circle downtown counter-clockwise and get a better view. On the other hand, if you're arriving at Dubai Airport, it can be harder to predict which side will offer the best view of the Burj Khalifa. The runway direction can be checked at the time of arrival, but even then, it's not always accurate due to last-minute changes.
To increase your chances of getting a window seat on the left side of the plane, you could try requesting one during the booking process or online check-in. Some airlines allow passengers to select their preferred seats within a certain time frame before the flight. Additionally, if you're checking in at the airport, you can ask the agent if any window seats on the left side are available. It's important to note that even if you secure a window seat, factors such as pollution, fog, moisture, and sand in the air can affect visibility.
Another factor to consider is the time of your flight. If you're arriving during the day, you'll have a better chance of spotting the Burj Khalifa as it stands out against the Dubai skyline. Flying into Dubai at night can make it more challenging to see specific landmarks, especially if the lighting is dim. However, if you're taking off from Dubai, a morning flight might offer better visibility and lighting conditions for photography.
Lastly, keep in mind that while the Burj Khalifa is an impressive sight from a distance, you might not get a clear view of it during your flight. The visibility from the plane window might not be sufficient for taking pictures, and the building may appear smaller than expected. However, if you're interested in getting a closer look, you can visit the Burj Khalifa by purchasing tickets for levels 124/125 or level 148. The ticket prices vary and are usually cheaper during regular entrance times. Additionally, there are often promotions and discounts available, so it's worth looking out for those.
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Likelihood of seeing Burj Khalifa when landing vs taking off
The likelihood of seeing the Burj Khalifa when landing or taking off from Dubai Airport depends on several factors, including the direction of the runway in use and the side of your seat in the aircraft.
If you are taking off from Dubai Airport, the left side of the plane is generally the best option for catching a glimpse of the Burj Khalifa. This is because most of the time, the northerly runways are used, and after take-off, the Burj Khalifa is visible to the left. If you're lucky and your plane makes a left turn, you might even get to circle downtown counterclockwise and get an even better view.
However, if the southerly runway is in use during take-off, then the right-hand side of the plane will offer you a better chance of seeing the Burj Khalifa.
When landing at Dubai Airport, the chances of seeing the Burj Khalifa are lower. If the northerly runways are in use, you are unlikely to see the Burj Khalifa as you will be approaching over the desert and not flying past the city. In this case, a seat on the right side of the plane might offer a better chance of catching a glimpse of the iconic structure.
If your flight is using the southerly runway for landing, then the right-hand side will again be the best option, as the plane will approach the runway from the northwest, giving you a chance to see the Burj Khalifa before landing.
Overall, while there is no guarantee that you will see the Burj Khalifa from your seat, your chances are higher during take-off, especially if you are seated on the left side of the plane and the northerly runway is in use. During landing, your chances are lower, but a seat on the right side might improve your odds if the southerly runway is in use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to see Burj Khalifa from Dubai Airport, but it depends on which side of the plane you are on and the runway being used.
If the northerly runway is in use, you might not see Burj Khalifa at all. Your best bet is usually the right-hand side, but if the southerly runway is in use, you will need to be seated on the left side to catch a glimpse.
It is generally more likely that you will see Burj Khalifa when landing at Dubai Airport rather than taking off.
