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ADD → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (Addis Ababa) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the winding Nile River, the ancient landmarks of Egypt, and a dramatic entry into the Mediterranean before descending over the Marmara Sea toward Istanbul.
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Ethiopian Highlands
Dramatic canyons and lush green plateaus immediately after takeoff from Addis Ababa.
Nubian Desert
Stunning vistas of the vast, arid landscapes of Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt.
The Nile River
The life-giving ribbon of green cutting through the Sahara, often visible for hours.
Ancient Luxor
The Valley of the Kings and the sprawling temple complexes near the riverbanks.
Cairo & Giza
The massive urban sprawl of Egypt's capital and the Great Pyramids on the desert's edge.
Alexandria Coast
The transition from the Nile Delta to the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Historic Istanbul
Views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia during the final descent into Istanbul Airport.
For the best experience, book a daytime flight to witness the contrast between the green Nile valley and the Sahara. Sit toward the front or middle, away from the wing, to get clear photos of the Pyramids of Giza, which typically appear on the left shortly before crossing the Mediterranean coast. Use a window seat to monitor the flight path as it follows the river north.
Get eSIMs for Ethiopia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyRed Sea Coast
The turquoise waters and coral reefs of the Red Sea may be visible near Port Sudan.
Suez Canal
The northern entrance of the canal where ships congregate before entering the Mediterranean.
Island of Cyprus
The distinct shape of the island often appears as the plane crosses the eastern Mediterranean.
Taurus Mountains
Rugged, snow-capped peaks as the flight enters Turkish airspace from the south.
Anatolian Plateau
The rural heartland of Turkey featuring rolling hills and agricultural patterns.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible during certain approach patterns into IST.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise over the East African coast. During the approach to Istanbul, if the plane circles from the north, the right side provides a spectacular view of the Bosphorus bridges and the city's European and Asian sides simultaneously. Keep an eye out for the island of Cyprus mid-flight.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 3,725 km (2,315 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 23 min
Departure: ADD (8.97789001465, 38.7993011475)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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