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DKR destination photo
IST destination photo

DKRIST

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Saharan mountain formations like the Hoggar Massif and a strategic perspective of the Sea of Marmara and Asian Istanbul during the final approach.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🐪

Sahel Transition

Watch the landscape transform from the semi-arid Sahelian scrubland of Mali into the deep Saharan desert.

🏔️

Ahaggar Mountains

The spectacular volcanic peaks and jagged purple plateaus of the Hoggar Mountains in southern Algeria.

🏖️

Cyrenaica Coast

The contrast where the desert meets the deep blue of the Mediterranean along the North African coast.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

A view of the busy shipping lanes and the Prince's Islands as the aircraft turns toward the Bosphorus.

🌉

Bosphorus Bridges

Clear views of the iconic bridges connecting Europe and Asia if the flight uses the southern approach.

The right side is ideal for capturing the intense colors of the Sahara. During the final 20 minutes of flight, keep your camera ready for the Bosphorus and the historical peninsula of Istanbul, which often appear on this side during standard approach patterns.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Atlantic Coastline

Dramatic views of the Cap-Vert peninsula and the receding Atlantic horizon immediately after takeoff from Dakar.

🏜️

Grand Ergs of Algeria

Stunning patterns of shifting orange sand dunes in the Erg Chech and Grand Erg Occidental regions of the Sahara.

🏝️

Aegean Archipelago

A bird's-eye view of the Greek islands and the turquoise waters of the Ionian and Aegean seas.

🏙️

European Istanbul

Views of the sprawling European suburbs and the Black Sea coastline during the descent into IST.

Sit on the left for early morning departures to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. This side is also preferable if the flight path tracks further west over Italy and the Balkan mountains.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 5,325 km (3,309 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 16 min

Departure: DKR (14.739700317382812, -17.49020004272461)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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