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DOK → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Donetsk International Airport (Donetsk) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers breathtaking views of the Crimean Mountains, the strategic Kerch Strait, and the iconic Bosphorus Strait upon the approach into Istanbul.
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Sea of Azov
View the shallow, turquoise-tinted waters of the world's shallowest sea shortly after takeoff.
Kerch Strait
The narrow passage connecting the Azov and Black Seas, marking a significant geographic boundary.
Crimean Mountains
Rugged limestone peaks and the dramatic coastline of the southern Crimean Peninsula.
Bosphorus Strait
The legendary waterway separating Europe and Asia, bustling with international shipping traffic.
Historical Peninsula
On clear days during a southern approach, catch glimpses of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
Book a window seat on the left (A or K depending on aircraft) for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Crimean coast. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Black Sea coastline into Turkey for the best views of the Bosphorus. In winter, the snow-capped Crimean peaks are particularly photogenic.
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Pontic Steppe
Vast, rolling agricultural plains of Southern Ukraine stretching toward the horizon.
Sevastopol Bay
The historic naval port located at the southwestern tip of the Crimean Peninsula.
Black Sea Horizon
An endless expanse of deep blue water during the main cruise portion of the flight.
Belgrad Forest
The dense green 'lungs' of Istanbul visible just before touchdown at IST airport.
IST Airport Infrastructure
A great view of the massive terminal's vaulted ceilings and the tulip-shaped control tower.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Black Sea. It also provides a better view of the massive Istanbul Airport layout upon landing. Be aware that summer haze can sometimes obscure the Ukrainian coastline, so mid-altitude views are best right after the initial climb.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,036 km (644 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: DOK (48.07360076904297, 37.73970031738281)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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