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IST → AUH
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (Abu Dhabi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more diverse landscape featuring both the rugged Zagros mountain ranges and the industrial marvels of the UAE northern coast.
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Taurus Mountains
The dramatic snow-capped peaks of southern Turkey shortly after departure.
Tigris River
The historical cradle of civilization snaking through the Mesopotamian plains.
Zagros Mountains
The immense limestone folds of western Iran visible across the Persian Gulf.
Northern Emirates
A distant view of the dense urban sprawl of Sharjah and the outskirts of Dubai.
Khalifa Port
The massive deep-water port and industrial zone as the plane descends.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. In winter, look for significant snow cover over the Anatolian plateau and Iranian highlands.
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Sea of Marmara
Beautiful coastal views of Turkey immediately following the IST takeoff.
Mesopotamian Desert
Vast stretches of golden sand and ancient archaeological sites in Iraq.
Kuwait City
A clear aerial view of the city center and the distinctive Kuwait Towers.
Persian Gulf Islands
Numerous small islands and offshore oil platforms dotting the turquoise waters.
Yas Island
The bright red roof of Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit on final approach.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Arabian Gulf. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for Yas Island.
Book Hotels in Abu DhabiDistance: 3,039 km (1,888 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 35 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: AUH (24.433000564575195, 54.651100158691406)
Route Type: International
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