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HRG β IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Hurghada International Airport (Hurghada) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic scenery, featuring the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, the rugged Sinai Peninsula, and the best chance to see the Bosphorus and the historical heart of Istanbul upon descent.
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Red Sea Reefs
Crystal clear views of the coral reef systems and turquoise lagoons near El Gouna.
Sinai Peninsula
The sharp, dramatic mountain ranges of southern Sinai, often glowing orange at sunrise.
Cyprus
A panoramic view of the island of Cyprus, including the Troodos Mountains.
Antalya Coastline
The stunning curve of the Turkish Riviera where the mountains meet the Mediterranean.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible during the final approach into IST.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. Sit here for the best views of the Sinai mountains shortly after takeoff. For the arrival in Istanbul, this side usually offers a spectacular view of the Bosphorus bridges and the historical peninsula (Sultanahmet) if the flight approaches from the south. Early morning flights provide the most dramatic lighting on the Turkish mountain ranges.
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Eastern Desert
Vast stretches of Egypt's arid landscape showing dramatic wadis and sand formations.
Rhodes & Dodecanese
Aerial views of the Greek island of Rhodes and its surrounding turquoise waters.
Western Taurus Mountains
The jagged, snow-capped peaks of the MuΔla and Isparta regions of Turkey.
Sea of Marmara
Industrial shipping lanes and the coastal towns of the southern Marmara region.
The left side is excellent for catching the sunset on late afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the Greek islands as you cross the Mediterranean; they appear as bright jewels against the deep blue sea. Use a polarising filter if taking photos to cut through the atmospheric haze over the Nile Delta.
Get eSIMs for Egypt
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,634 km (1,015 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 11 min
Departure: HRG (27.178300857543945, 33.799400329589844)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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