Departing passengers on the left side can see the winding Ural River and the urban sprawl of Atyrau, highlighting the unique border between Europe and Asia.
The right side offers a breathtaking approach into Almaty with direct views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, along with the remnants of the Aral Sea and the Ustyurt Plateau during the mid-flight segment.
The left side offers a superior view of the majestic Caucasus Mountains and a high probability of seeing the iconic Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus Strait during the final approach.
The right side offers a magnificent view of the Caspian Sea coastline and the dramatic contrast between the turquoise water and the white limestone cliffs of the Mangystau region.
The right side is generally superior for this route because it offers a higher probability of seeing the Moscow city skyline and the iconic 'Moscow City' skyscrapers during the standard arrival patterns into Vnukovo, alongside expansive views of the Volga River's bends.
The right side offers the most consistent views of the meandering Ural River, which serves as the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia, and provides a scenic contrast against the arid steppe.
The Left Side offers superior views of the Caspian Sea coastline upon departure and the varied mountain ranges of Central Europe, generally enjoying more favorable lighting for photography on this westbound route.
The right side offers a superior view of the stunning Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve and the expansive Lake Tengiz, followed by a dramatic approach to the Astana skyline.