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AQJ → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Aqaba King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the dramatic transition from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean coast, featuring the Dead Sea and the islands of the Aegean.
Gulf of Aqaba
Aerial view of the meeting point between Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.
Judean Desert
Rugged canyons and the stark beauty of the desert landscape leading to the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Western Shore
The lowest point on Earth, visible with its distinct turquoise waters and salt formations.
Mediterranean Coastline
Vibrant views of Tel Aviv and the long sandy stretches of the Levantine coast.
Aegean Archipelago
Glimpses of Greek islands like Rhodes and Samos scattered across the deep blue sea.
Istanbul Peninsula
On clear approaches from the south, views of the historic Golden Horn and Sultanahmet.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid harsh sunlight. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after takeoff for the best Dead Sea views. During the descent into IST, the left side often captures the urban sprawl of the European side.
Wadi Rum
The 'Valley of the Moon' is visible shortly after departure with its red sandstone mountains.
Amman Skyline
The sprawling white-stone hills of Jordan's capital city are visible to the east.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, often snow-capped peaks as the flight enters Turkish airspace from the south.
Lake Tuz
One of the world's largest salt lakes, appearing as a massive white patch in Central Anatolia.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia may be visible depending on the landing pattern.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights to watch the light hit the Anatolian plateau. Watch for the stark contrast of the dry Jordanian desert shifting into the greener, more mountainous terrain of Turkey.
Distance: 1,415 km (879 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min
Departure: AQJ (29.61160087585449, 35.01810073852539)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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