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ASF → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Astrakhan Airport (Astrakhan) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a spectacular vantage point for viewing the Greater Caucasus mountain range, including Europe's highest peaks, and the rugged transition to the Black Sea coast.
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Greater Caucasus Range
Dramatic views of the snow-capped mountain spine that marks the border between Europe and Asia.
Mount Elbrus
The highest peak in Europe (5,642m) is often visible as a massive, twin-coned dormant volcano to the south.
Russian Riviera
Aerial perspective of the coastline near Sochi where the mountains meet the deep blue of the Black Sea.
Pontic Mountains
The lush, green-carpeted mountain ranges of Northern Turkey as you approach the Anatolian peninsula.
Sea of Marmara
Views of the Prince Islands and the southern coastline of Istanbul during the final descent into SAW.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side for morning flights; the sun will be behind or above you, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Caucasus. During the winter, the snow cover on the mountains is particularly breathtaking. Keep your camera ready about 30-40 minutes after takeoff from Astrakhan for the best mountain views.
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Caspian Depression
The unique, low-lying arid landscapes and salt flats surrounding the Astrakhan region.
Open Black Sea
An uninterrupted horizon of the Black Sea's deep waters for the majority of the flight duration.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The northernmost bridge crossing the Bosphorus Strait, visible during specific approach patterns to SAW.
Northern Istanbul Forests
The dense 'green lungs' of Istanbul that line the northern coast before reaching the urban sprawl.
Asian Side Districts
Panoramic views of the densely populated and rapidly growing Pendik and Kartal districts on approach.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights to SAW, as you will see the sun dipping into the Black Sea. It also offers a cleaner view of the Bosphorus's northern mouth if the plane approaches from the north. However, be aware of glare during afternoon flights heading west.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,616 km (1,004 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 9 min
Departure: ASF (46.2832984924, 48.0063018799)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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