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AER → KZN
Which side of the plane to sit from Sochi International Airport (Sochi) to Kazan International Airport (Kazan)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic variety, beginning with the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains and concluding with a magnificent view of the Volga River and the Kazan Kremlin during the descent.
Western Caucasus Mountains
Stunning views of the high-altitude peaks and rugged ridges of the Caucasus range shortly after departure.
Stavropol Upland
The transition from mountain foothills to the rolling hills and plateaus of the Stavropol territory.
Volga River Bends
Exquisite views of the massive Volga River, the longest in Europe, as the flight follows its general path toward Kazan.
Kazan Kremlin
On the final approach, the white-walled UNESCO World Heritage site and the Kul Sharif Mosque are often visible.
The mountain views are concentrated in the first 15-20 minutes, so keep your camera ready early. During the winter, the frozen Volga River provides a spectacular white landscape that is best viewed from this side.
Black Sea Coastline
Panoramic views of the Sochi shoreline and the deep blue expanse of the Black Sea immediately after takeoff.
Kuban Steppes
The fertile agricultural heartland of southern Russia, appearing as a vast patchwork of green and gold fields.
Don River Basin
Aerial views of the winding Don River and the surrounding wetlands as the flight heads north through the Rostov region.
Volgograd Steppe
A perspective of the vast industrial landscapes and undulating plains characteristic of the Lower Volga region.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for photography of the agricultural patterns below. Look for the Tsimlyansk Reservoir roughly 30 minutes into the flight.
Distance: 1,507 km (936 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: AER (43.449902, 39.9566)
Arrival: KZN (55.606201171875, 49.278701782227)
Route Type: Domestic
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