BAH → IST

Arabian Gulf

Deep blue waters and offshore oil rigs dotting the horizon north of Bahrain.

Kuwait City

The distinct skyline and the Kuwait Towers are often visible as the flight path skirts the coast.

Mesopotamian Basin

The fertile green strips of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers cutting through the arid landscape of Iraq.

Anatolian Highlands

Rolling hills and high-altitude plateaus of eastern and central Turkey.

The Bosphorus

The world-famous strait dividing Europe and Asia, often visible during the standard approach into Istanbul Airport.

Sea of Marmara

Dozens of cargo ships waiting to enter the strait, looking like tiny toys in the water below.

Saudi Arabian Coastline

Clear views of the industrial hubs of Jubail and the sandy stretches of the Eastern Province shortly after takeoff.

Iraqi Western Desert

Vast, undulating desert landscapes and ancient caravan routes visible as the plane heads northwest.

Taurus Mountains

Dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the western Taurus range as the flight enters Turkish airspace.

Lake Tuz

A massive, bright white salt lake in Central Anatolia that provides a stunning visual contrast to the surrounding terrain.

European Istanbul

Modern skyscrapers and the sprawling suburbs of the European side during the final descent into IST.