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ARN β EBL
Which side of the plane to sit from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (Stockholm) to Erbil International Airport (Erbil)?
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.
Baltic Horizon
Expansive views of the Baltic Sea and the coastline of the Baltic States as the flight heads south-east.
Eastern Carpathians
The dense, forested ridges of the Romanian Carpathian Mountains provide a dramatic mid-flight landscape.
Black Sea Coastline
A stunning visual transition as the aircraft crosses the Black Sea and enters Turkish airspace near Sinop.
Pontic Mountains
Green, high-altitude peaks in Northern Turkey that often trap clouds, creating a sea of mist.
Zagros Mountains
Dramatic, jagged limestone ridges and deep valleys as you enter Northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
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.
Stockholm Archipelago
Immediately after takeoff from ARN, witness the thousands of tiny islands dotting the Swedish coast.
Gotland Island
Clear views of Sweden's largest island, known for its unique geography and medieval history.
High Tatras
The sharp, alpine-style peaks on the border of Poland and Slovakia are often visible on clear days.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, sun-drenched golden landscapes and salt basins of central Turkey.
Great Zab River
The winding turquoise waters of the Great Zab River cutting through the plains before landing.
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.
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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