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ADE destination photo
IST destination photo

ADEIST

Which side of the plane to sit from Aden International Airport (Aden) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the Sinai Peninsula's dramatic peaks, the Mediterranean's turquoise coastline, and a scenic entry into Istanbul over the Sea of Marmara.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Red Sea Reefs

Vibrant coral structures and turquoise shallows visible along the coastal stretches of the Yemeni and Saudi borders.

🏔️

Sinai Wilderness

The stark, jagged peaks of the Sinai Peninsula, including historical Mount Sinai and the harsh desert terrain.

🚢

Suez Canal Entry

A distant view of the maritime traffic and the strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

🏖️

Turkish Riviera

Panoramic views of Antalya's rugged coastline and the high-contrast transition from sea to the Taurus Mountains.

🏙️

Marmara Approach

Views of the Princes' Islands and the sprawling urban landscape of Istanbul's European side upon final descent.

Book an A-row seat for a morning flight to avoid direct glare while viewing the Red Sea. Look out for the distinct 'V' shape of the Sinai Peninsula approximately mid-way through the flight. During the descent into IST, this side often provides the best view of the historic peninsula and the Blue Mosque if landing from the south.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

Asir Highlands

Dramatic mountain ranges in western Saudi Arabia that rise sharply from the Tihamah coastal plain.

💧

Gulf of Aqaba

The deep blue waters of the rift valley separating the Sinai from the Arabian Peninsula.

🧂

Dead Sea Basin

The lowest point on Earth, visible as a shimmering turquoise and salt-white basin surrounded by the Judean Desert.

❄️

Taurus Mountains

Rugged, often snow-capped peaks spanning southern Turkey that provide a majestic backdrop during the northern leg.

🌉

The Bosporus

If the flight path circles from the north, you may see the bridges connecting Europe and Asia across the strait.

The right side is ideal for spotting the Dead Sea and the dramatic elevation changes in the Jordan Rift Valley. If you are flying during sunset, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey often catch a spectacular 'alpenglow.' Ensure you are away from the wing for the best view of the Turkish interior's diverse topography.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 3,536 km (2,197 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 10 min

Departure: ADE (12.829500198364258, 45.02880096435547)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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