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IST → AAE
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Rabah Bitat Airport (Annaba)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior panorama of the Aegean archipelago, the rugged Peloponnese mountains, and a more scenic approach into the Algerian coastline.
Sea of Marmara
Aerial views of the Princes' Islands and the transition from the Bosphorus into the open sea shortly after takeoff.
Southern Greece
Exquisite views of the Peloponnese peninsula, including the Mani and Messinia peninsulas with their deep blue bays.
Mount Etna (Distance)
On very clear days, the distant silhouette of Europe's most active volcano can be seen rising from Sicily.
Mediterranean Coastline
The turquoise waters of the central Mediterranean as the flight tracks south of the Italian islands.
Edough Massif
The lush, green mountains surrounding Annaba provide a dramatic backdrop during the final approach into Algeria.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and get the best lighting over the Greek islands. During the winter months, the high peaks of the Peloponnese are often covered in snow, creating a stunning contrast with the Mediterranean Sea. This side is also generally preferred for the descent into Rabah Bitat Airport as it often faces the city and the mountains.
Istanbul Skyline
A grand view of the European side of Istanbul and the Black Sea coastline during the initial climb phase.
Ionian Islands
Clear views of the northern Ionian islands like Corfu and Paxos depending on the specific flight corridor.
Calabrian Coast
The 'toe' of the Italian boot is often visible to the north while crossing from the Ionian to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Mediterranean Horizon
Perfect, unobstructed views of the sunset if you are traveling on a late afternoon or evening flight westward.
Choose the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to experience a spectacular Mediterranean sunset. It is also the better side for viewing the sprawling urban landscape of Istanbul immediately after takeoff if the aircraft departs towards the north before turning west. Keep your camera ready for the Italian coastline which can appear very sharp on clear days.
Distance: 1,870 km (1,162 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: AAE (36.822201, 7.809174)
Route Type: International
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