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ADF destination photo
ESB destination photo

ADFESB

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers the most iconic sights of the route, including the vast Atatürk Dam shortly after takeoff and the prominent Mount Erciyes volcano during the middle of the journey.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Atatürk Dam Reservoir

One of the largest reservoirs in the world, appearing as a massive turquoise sea against the arid landscape.

🌋

Mount Erciyes

A spectacular view of this massive snow-capped stratovolcano near Kayseri as you cruise toward Central Anatolia.

⚪

Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü)

The shimmering white salt flats of Turkey's second-largest lake are often visible in the distance to the west.

🏙️

Ankara Skyline

A comprehensive view of the capital's expansion, including the Kocatepe Mosque and Atakule Tower during the descent.

Sit on the left for the best views of the Atatürk Dam within the first 15 minutes of flight. Morning departures provide the best lighting for Mount Erciyes without glare. As the plane descends into Esenboğa from the north, the left side typically faces the city center.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🗿

Mount Nemrut

Look quickly after takeoff to see the summit of this UNESCO site, famous for its ancient giant stone heads.

💧

Karakaya Dam

A dramatic view of the Euphrates River being held back by this massive hydroelectric dam.

🏔️

Anti-Taurus Mountains

Rugged, high-altitude peaks and deep valleys that define the geography of Eastern Anatolia.

🐍

Kızılırmak River

The winding, reddish-brown curves of Turkey's longest river as it snakes through the Anatolian plateau.

The right side is excellent for observing the rugged, mountainous transition from the East to Central Anatolia. Keep an eye out early in the flight for Mount Nemrut to the northeast. Late afternoon flights offer beautiful golden hour lighting over the mountain ridges.

Top Activities in Ankara
Route Information

Distance: 543 km (337 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 54 min

Departure: ADF (37.7313995361, 38.4688987732)

Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)

Route Type: Domestic

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