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BGW → AYT
Which side of the plane to sit from Baghdad International Airport (Baghdad) to Antalya International Airport (Antalya)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the dramatic Taurus Mountains and the stunning contrast between the rugged Turkish interior and the turquoise Mediterranean coast.
Baghdad Cityscape
Aerial view of the Tigris River winding through the dense urban layout of the Iraqi capital shortly after takeoff.
Lake Tharthar
A vast salt lake located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, appearing as a shimmering oasis in the desert.
Taurus Mountains
Majestic limestone peaks and deep canyons of the Southern Turkish range, often snow-capped in winter months.
Turkish Riviera
The brilliant blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea come into view as the aircraft begins its descent towards Antalya.
Lara Beach Coastline
Detailed views of the luxury resorts and golden sands that line the coast just east of the airport.
Book an afternoon flight for the best lighting, as the sun will be behind you or to the west, illuminating the Taurus Mountains beautifully. During winter, look for the contrast between the brown desert and the white mountain peaks. On the final approach, keep your camera ready for the sudden appearance of the turquoise coastline.
Samarra Archeology
If the flight path stays north, you may spot the iconic spiral Malwiya Tower of the Great Mosque of Samarra.
Mesopotamian Plains
The fertile floodplains of Northern Iraq, showing a patchwork of agricultural fields near the Tigris.
Atatürk Dam Reservoir
A massive body of water on the Euphrates River in Southeast Turkey, one of the largest in the region.
Anatolian Plateau
Expansive views of the high-altitude volcanic landscapes and plateaus of Central Turkey.
Gulf of Antalya
A wide-angle view of the entire bay and the silhouette of the Beydağları Mountains in the distance.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. It provides a better view of the archaeological heritage sites in Northern Iraq and the massive infrastructure projects like the Atatürk Dam in Turkey. Watch for the changing colors of the Anatolian soil from ochre to deep red.
Distance: 1,286 km (799 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: BGW (33.262500762900004, 44.2346000671)
Arrival: AYT (36.898701, 30.800501)
Route Type: International
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