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ELQ → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Gassim Airport (Gassim) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic transition from the arid Arabian landscapes to the rugged Taurus Mountains and the brilliant white expanse of Lake Tuz, culminating in a spectacular view of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul upon arrival.
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Taurus Mountains
A dramatic entry into Turkey featuring snow-capped peaks and deep limestone valleys.
Lake Tuz
One of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, appearing as a massive, brilliant white salt flat from high altitude.
Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, rolling terrain of central Turkey, showing the transition from desert to temperate landscape.
The Bosphorus Strait
On many approach paths, you can see the iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia, dotted with bridges and ships.
Asian Istanbul
Views of the densely packed hills of Üsküdar and Kadıköy before the final turn toward the airport.
The right side is the 'scenic winner' for this route. Look out for Lake Tuz about midway through the flight; its white surface is unmistakable. For the best views of the Bosphorus, hope for a northern approach to IST. Morning flights provide excellent lighting for the Turkish mountain ranges on this side.
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Al-Qassim Circular Farms
Immediately after takeoff, witness the striking green circular crop circles created by center-pivot irrigation in the middle of the desert.
Great Nefud Desert
Vast stretches of reddish-gold sand dunes stretching across the northern Saudi Arabian landscape.
Mediterranean Coastline
As the flight crosses from Jordan into Turkey, the deep blue of the Eastern Mediterranean is visible to the west.
Marmara Sea Coast
Clear views of the European suburbs of Istanbul and the busy shipping lanes of the Sea of Marmara.
The left side is preferable for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff from ELQ to capture the unique geometric patterns of Saudi agriculture. During the descent into IST, this side often provides a clear look at the historic European neighborhoods.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,161 km (1,343 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 53 min
Departure: ELQ (26.30279922485352, 43.77439880371094)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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