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EBL → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Erbil International Airport (Erbil) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama of Turkey's rugged eastern mountain ranges, the majestic Mount Erciyes, and a higher probability of viewing the Bosphorus and Black Sea coastline during the descent into Istanbul.
Search flights from EBL to IST
Eastern Taurus Range
Dramatic, snow-dusted peaks visible immediately after crossing the Iraqi-Turkish border.
Mount Erciyes
The towering volcanic peak near Kayseri, often rising majestically above the cloud layer.
Pontic Mountains
Lush green ridges and forested terrain as the flight moves toward the northern Turkish coast.
Bosphorus Strait
The legendary waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible on many landing approaches to IST.
Black Sea Coast
Deep blue waters contrasting with the dense northern forests just before touchdown.
This is the side for mountain enthusiasts. Look out early for the high peaks of the Taurus. During the final 15 minutes of flight, stay alert; if the plane approaches Istanbul Airport from the north/east, you will get an unparalleled view of the city's bridges and the Bosphorus.
Book Hotels in IstanbulTigris River Valley
View the winding historical river shortly after departing Erbil as it carves through the landscape.
Atatürk Dam
Witness one of the world's largest earth-fill dams and its massive turquoise reservoir in Southeast Anatolia.
Anatolian Plateaus
Sweeping views of Central Turkey's vast agricultural heartland and rolling golden steppes.
Princes' Islands
A scenic archipelago in the Sea of Marmara visible during the standard descent path into Istanbul.
Choose a seat behind the wing to capture the contrast between the arid landscapes of Northern Iraq and the deep blue of the Euphrates reservoirs. Afternoon flights on this side offer softer lighting for photography over the Sea of Marmara.
Get eSIMs for Iraq
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,430 km (889 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: EBL (36.23759841918945, 43.96319961547852)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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