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DLA â IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Douala International Airport (Douala) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic terrain variations, including the volcanic Tibesti Mountains and the best vantage point for the Bosphorus during the Istanbul approach.
Search flights from DLA to IST
Adamawa Plateau
The 'water tower' of Cameroon, featuring lush green highlands and volcanic craters.
Lake Chad
The historical and ecological heart of the Sahel, visible as a massive blue oasis amid arid plains.
Tibesti Mountains
A spectacular range of ancient volcanoes and dark rock formations rising from the Sahara in northern Chad.
Turkish Riviera
The turquoise waters and jagged bays of southwestern Turkey near Marmaris and Bodrum.
Bosphorus Strait
The legendary waterway separating Europe and Asia, typically visible during the final descent into IST.
Choose the right side for the most iconic views of the Tibesti Mountains, which are a highlight of the Saharan crossing. For the arrival in Istanbul, this side frequently offers a stunning view of the historic peninsula and the Golden Horn if the wind requires a northern landing approach.
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Mount Cameroon
West Africa's highest peak and an active volcano visible shortly after departure from Douala.
TÊnÊrÊ Desert
Vast stretches of the Nigerien Sahara featuring immense sand dunes and 'the desert within the desert'.
Gulf of Sirte
The deep blue waters of the Mediterranean as the flight exits the African continent over Libya.
Crete and Aegean Islands
Aerial views of the rugged Cretan coastline and the scattered white dots of the Cyclades.
Izmir Coastline
The western shores of Turkey and the sprawling urban landscape of the Aegean coast.
The left side is ideal for afternoon flights to enjoy a sunset over the Mediterranean. Ensure you are seated forward of the wing to get an unobstructed view of Mount Cameroon immediately after takeoff, as the plane usually turns north quickly.
Get eSIMs for Cameroon
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 4,558 km (2,832 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 22 min
Departure: DLA (4.0060801506, 9.71947956085)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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