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ISB → SHJ
Which side of the plane to sit from New Islamabad International Airport (Islamabad) to Sharjah International Airport (Sharjah)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for viewing the rugged, otherworldly landscapes of the Makran Coast and the Balochistan mountain ranges, followed by a panoramic approach into the UAE.
Salt Range Peaks
Immediately after takeoff, view the ancient geological formations of the Salt Range and Pothohar Plateau.
Suleiman Range
Fly over the rugged ridges of the Suleiman Mountains, marking the edge of the Iranian Plateau.
Makran Coastal Formations
The star attraction: look for 'The Princess of Hope' and other bizarre, naturally eroded rock structures along the coast.
Gwadar Peninsula
Spot the iconic hammerhead-shaped peninsula of Gwadar jutting into the turquoise Arabian Sea.
Gulf of Oman
Watch for cargo ships and tankers navigating the approach to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Sharjah City Skyline
Enjoy views of the Sharjah Corniche, the Khalid Lagoon, and the adjacent high-rises of Dubai during the descent.
The right side is unbeatable for evening flights, offering a front-row seat to the sunset over the Arabian Sea. Be sure to keep your camera ready over the Balochistan coastline; the sediment-heavy water creates incredible swirls of color against the stark, white-and-brown cliffs. Seasonal dust storms can occasionally obscure the view, so clearer days in spring or autumn are ideal.
Indus River Meanders
Witness the vast, winding path of the Indus River as it carves through the plains of Punjab and Sindh.
Thar Desert Fringe
Glimpse the eastern edges of the Thar Desert, showing a transition from green farmland to golden sands.
Karachi Outskirts
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the sprawling urban density of Pakistan's largest city and its busy port.
Hajar Mountains
As you descend into the UAE, the jagged, dark peaks of the Hajar range provide a dramatic contrast to the desert.
Sharjah Inland Dunes
The final approach often showcases the deep orange sand dunes of the Sharjah desert and Al Dhaid area.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It is particularly good for spotting the complex irrigation networks of the Indus Basin. During the winter months, look for morning mist over the Punjab plains which creates a surreal, ethereal atmosphere from above.
Distance: 1,908 km (1,186 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 33 min
Departure: ISB (33.560713, 72.851613)
Arrival: SHJ (25.32859992980957, 55.5172004699707)
Route Type: International
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