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DOH → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Hamad International Airport (Doha) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Bosphorus Strait on approach to Istanbul and breathtaking views of the rugged mountain ranges across Eastern Turkey and the Iran-Iraq border.
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The Pearl-Qatar
Immediately after takeoff from DOH, look down to see the intricate man-made island structures and the Doha skyline.
Zagros Mountains
Spectacular views of the folded mountain ridges along the eastern horizon near the border of Iraq and Iran.
Anatolian Plateau
The unique, high-altitude volcanic landscape of Central Turkey, including distant views of Mount Erciyes.
The Bosphorus
On the standard arrival route, catch the stunning sight of the strait dividing Europe and Asia, including the suspension bridges.
Black Sea Coast
As the plane aligns with the runway at IST, the lush green coastline and the dark waters of the Black Sea come into view.
The right side is the 'scenic winner' for the approach. For the best photography, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Bosphorus and Istanbul's bridges. During the winter, the Anatolian mountains on this side are frequently covered in deep snow, offering incredible textures from above.
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Mesopotamian Plains
Aerial views of the vast, arid landscapes of Iraq and the historic fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates.
Taurus Mountains
The snow-capped peaks of the Taurus range in Southern Turkey provide a dramatic contrast to the Anatolian plateau.
Sea of Marmara
On the final descent into IST, enjoy views of the shipping lanes and small islands dotting the sea south of Istanbul.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara visible just before the aircraft turns for its final approach.
Sit on the left if you want to see the sprawling urban density of Istanbul's European side and the Sea of Marmara. This side is often better for sunset views during late afternoon flights as the sun descends over the Aegean/Mediterranean to the west.
Get eSIMs for Qatar
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,756 km (1,712 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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