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ARN destination photo
EBL destination photo

ARN β†’ EBL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, followed by the rugged Pontic Mountains and the stunning descent into the Zagros foothills of Iraq.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Baltic Horizon

Expansive views of the Baltic Sea and the coastline of the Baltic States as the flight heads south-east.

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Eastern Carpathians

The dense, forested ridges of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains provide a dramatic mid-flight landscape.

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Black Sea Coastline

A stunning visual transition as the aircraft crosses the Black Sea and enters Turkish airspace near Sinop.

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Pontic Mountains

Green, high-altitude peaks in Northern Turkey that often trap clouds, creating a sea of mist.

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Zagros Mountains

Dramatic, jagged limestone ridges and deep valleys as you enter Northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

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Erbil Approaches

Views of the suburban sprawl and the historical geography of the plains surrounding the city of Erbil.

The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun, which will be on the right. During winter, look for the snow-capped peaks of the Pontic range. This side is particularly scenic during the final 45 minutes of the flight as you descend over the Iraqi mountains.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ

Stockholm Archipelago

Immediately after takeoff from ARN, witness the thousands of tiny islands dotting the Swedish coast.

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Gotland Island

Clear views of Sweden's largest island, known for its unique geography and medieval history.

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High Tatras

The sharp, alpine-style peaks on the border of Poland and Slovakia are often visible on clear days.

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Anatolian Plateau

The vast, sun-drenched golden landscapes and salt basins of central Turkey.

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Great Zab River

The winding turquoise waters of the Great Zab River cutting through the plains before landing.

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Erbil Citadel

Depending on the wind and approach pattern, you may see the ancient, circular UNESCO-listed citadel in the city center.

Sit on the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to catch a spectacular sunset over Central Europe or Turkey. For photography, the right side often gets a better perspective of the High Tatras and the vast Euphrates basin if the flight path tracks slightly westward.

Top Activities in Erbil
Route Information

Distance: 3,203 km (1,990 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min

Departure: ARN (59.65190124511699, 17.918600082397)

Arrival: EBL (36.23759841918945, 43.96319961547852)

Route Type: International

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