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HER → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (Heraklion) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the Aegean archipelago shortly after takeoff, followed by a potential glimpse of the Bosphorus and a more scenic approach into the Moscow region.
Cyclades Archipelago
Aerial views of the white-washed islands like Mykonos and Tinos scattered across the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Attica Peninsula
Distant views of the Greek mainland and the sprawl of the Greater Athens area as the plane heads north.
The Bosphorus
If the flight path tracks over Western Turkey, you can spot the narrow strait separating Europe and Asia.
Black Sea Coastline
Contrast between the dark waters of the Black Sea and the rugged coastline of Bulgaria and Romania.
Moscow Cityscape
During the descent into Sheremetyevo, the left side often faces the iconic skyscrapers of Moscow City.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you, avoiding glare. This side is also preferred for the arrival into SVO, as many landing patterns circle the city center to the west, offering views of the Kremlin and the Seven Sisters in the distance.
Dodecanese Islands
Views of Karpathos and Rhodes towards the eastern horizon shortly after departing Crete.
Anatolian Plateau
The rugged, mountainous terrain of inner Turkey, showing diverse geological formations and high-altitude lakes.
Southern Russian Steppes
Vast agricultural mosaics and the winding Don River as you enter Russian airspace.
Vnukovo/Domodedovo View
As the flight nears the Moscow aviation hub, you may spot other major airports from high altitude.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to catch the soft 'golden hour' light hitting the Anatolian mountains. Be aware that during winter months, the view of the Russian plains may be dominated by a uniform, flat white snow cover.
Distance: 2,475 km (1,538 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 18 min
Departure: HER (35.3396987915, 25.1802997589)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: International
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