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CIT → SHJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Shymkent Airport (Chimkent) to Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the Persian Gulf islands and the dramatic transition from the Iranian coastline to the urban sprawl of the UAE, including the iconic skyline of Sharjah and Dubai.
Aral Sea Basin
The haunting remnants of the southern Aral Sea basin may be visible depending on the flight corridor.
Mount Damavand
On clear days, the distant snow-capped cone of the highest peak in the Middle East can be seen to the west.
Qeshm Island
A massive dolphin-shaped island in the Persian Gulf known for its salt caves and mangroves.
Sharjah & Dubai Skyline
As the plane banks for arrival, the towering skyscrapers of the UAE emerge from the desert horizon.
Persian Gulf Coastline
The turquoise waters and artificial islands near the UAE coast provide a stark contrast to the desert.
Sit on the right for the descent into Sharjah; if the wind dictates a northern approach, you will get a panoramic view of the Sharjah Corniche and the Burj Khalifa in the distance. Use polarized sunglasses to reduce the glare from the Persian Gulf's bright waters during midday flights.
Western Tien Shan
Just after takeoff from Shymkent, look out for the rugged snow-capped peaks bordering Uzbekistan.
Karakum Desert
Observe the vast, desolate expanses of the 'Black Sands' across Turkmenistan.
Zagros Mountains
Incredible folded mountain ridges of Iran featuring unique geological sediment patterns.
Lut Desert Formations
Dramatic yardangs and wind-sculpted rock formations in one of the hottest places on Earth.
Strait of Hormuz
A bird's eye view of the busy shipping lanes and the rocky coast of Musandam.
Early morning flights provide the best lighting for the Zagros Mountains, casting long shadows that emphasize the unique geological folds. In summer, watch for dust storms over the Iranian plateau which can create a haze, though the higher mountain peaks usually remain visible.
Distance: 2,285 km (1,420 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 3 min
Departure: CIT (42.364200592041016, 69.47889709472656)
Arrival: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Route Type: International
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