Loading map...

DWC destination photo
SOF destination photo

DWCSOF

Which side of the plane to sit from Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai) to Sofia Airport (Sofia)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers an exceptional view of the rugged Zagros Mountains in Iran, the deep blue waters of Lake Van in Eastern Turkey, and the spectacular crossing of the Bosphorus Strait near Istanbul.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Dubai Skyline

Shortly after takeoff from DWC, look back for distant views of the Burj Khalifa and the impressive Dubai coastline.

🏔️

Zagros Mountains

Stunning, snow-capped folded mountain ranges in Western Iran that create a rhythmic, wave-like landscape from above.

💧

Lake Van

The largest lake in Turkey, known for its brilliant turquoise color and surrounding volcanic peaks.

🌉

The Bosphorus

One of the world's most strategic waterways, showing the bridges connecting Asia and Europe and the dense city of Istanbul.

⛰️

The Balkan Range

The vast 'Stara Planina' mountains stretching across Bulgaria, visible as the plane enters Bulgarian airspace.

The right side is significantly better for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. The highlight of this route is the transit over Istanbul; even at high altitudes, the Bosphorus is clearly visible. In winter, the Zagros mountains are heavily snow-covered, offering incredible high-contrast photography opportunities.

Left Side Highlights
7.9
🏙️

Kuwait City

Aerial views of the Kuwaiti coastline and the distinct urban sprawl of the capital city along the Persian Gulf.

🏜️

Mesopotamian Plains

The historic landscape of southern Iraq, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet the desert sands.

⛰️

Taurus Mountains

The southern ridges of the Taurus range providing a dramatic rocky backdrop during the transit over Southern Turkey.

🌊

Sea of Marmara

A clear view of the inland sea that separates the Anatolian and European parts of Turkey.

🏔️

Rila Mountains

Home to the highest peaks in the Balkans, visible to the south during the final approach into Sofia.

Choose the left side for sunset views on evening flights. During the descent into Sofia, the left side often provides a great perspective of the Vitosha Mountain and the southern suburbs of the city. Use a polarizer filter if photographing through the window to reduce glare from the desert sun.

Top Activities in Sofia
Route Information

Distance: 3,506 km (2,179 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 7 min

Departure: DWC (24.896356, 55.161389)

Arrival: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.