Loading map...

ESB destination photo
DIY destination photo

ESBDIY

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🧂

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

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.

Top Activities in Diyabakir
Route Information

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

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