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FRA → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior primarily for its proximity to the Alps shortly after takeoff, as well as clear views of the Balkan mountain ranges and the golden landscapes of the Anatolian plateau upon arrival.
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Bavarian & Austrian Alps
A major highlight appearing about 30-40 minutes after departure, featuring snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys.
Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest freshwater lake is easily identifiable by its elongated shape and emerald-green water.
Belgrade Confluence
Watch for the strategic meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers at the Serbian capital.
Balkan Mountain Range
The flight path traverses the length of these mountains in Bulgaria, offering views of high ridges and deep valleys.
Anatolian Plateau
During the final descent into ESB, the landscape shifts to the arid, high-altitude steppes of central Turkey.
The right side is the 'sunny side' for most of this journey, so keep your window shade down when not viewing to avoid heat. The best time for this side is late afternoon when the setting sun casts long shadows over the Alps and the Anatolian hills, highlighting the terrain's texture.
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Budapest & The Danube
Depending on the specific airway, look for the 'Pearl of the Danube' and its iconic parliament building roughly 1.5 hours into the flight.
Transylvanian Alps
The rugged, dramatic peaks of the Southern Carpathians in Romania provide a stunning geological spectacle.
Black Sea Coast
As the plane crosses from Bulgaria into Turkish airspace, the deep blue of the Black Sea is visible to the north.
Northern Anatolian Fault
The distinct geographical lines and ridges of Northern Turkey are visible as the plane descends towards Ankara.
Choose the left side for morning flights (Eastbound) to avoid direct sunlight and glare, which is ideal for photographing the Carpathian Mountains. On a clear night, the city lights of Budapest and Sofia are often more visible from this side.
Get eSIMs for Germany
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,197 km (1,365 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: International
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