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ESB → DIY
Which side of the plane to sit from Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara) to Diyarbakir Airport (Diyabakir)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior visual journey through Turkey's iconic geography, featuring the blinding white Salt Lake, the snow-capped peak of Mount Erciyes, and the unique lunar-like landscapes of Cappadocia.
Lake Tuz
Turkey's second largest lake, appearing as a massive, shimmering white salt flat in the distance.
Mount Erciyes
The majestic silhouette of the stratovolcano near Kayseri, rising high above the central plateau.
Cappadocia
The unique 'fairy chimney' rock formations and valleys of Göreme are often visible mid-flight.
Euphrates River
Aerial views of the mighty Euphrates as it flows through the Mesopotamian plains.
Karakaya Dam
A massive engineering feat on the Euphrates, showing the scale of Turkey's hydroelectric power.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to catch the sunset colors reflecting off the Salt Lake and Erciyes. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes into the flight for the best view of the Cappadocia region. In summer, the Salt Lake's pinkish hues are most visible due to algae blooms.
Ankara Skyline
Panoramic views of the capital's urban landscape and the Anitkabir complex shortly after takeoff.
Southeastern Taurus
Dramatic, rugged mountain ranges that dominate the horizon as you approach eastern Anatolia.
Lake Hazar
A stunning tectonic lake located near Elazığ, visible during the initial stages of the descent.
Tigris River Valley
The winding path of the historical Tigris River as it snakes through the Fertile Crescent toward Diyarbakir.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. This side is particularly scenic in winter when the Eastern Taurus peaks are heavily snow-capped. During the final approach, look for the ancient city walls of Diyarbakir if the flight path aligns from the north.
Distance: 670 km (416 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min
Departure: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Arrival: DIY (37.893901825, 40.2010002136)
Route Type: Domestic
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