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IST → DOH
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Hamad International Airport (Doha)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the historic Istanbul peninsula during departure, the winding Euphrates River, and the spectacular man-made islands of Qatar during the descent into Doha.
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Istanbul Historic Center
Catch glimpses of the Golden Horn and the city's ancient landmarks during the initial climb.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast and varied topography of central Turkey, featuring high plains and dormant volcanoes.
Euphrates River
Witness the lifeblood of the Fertile Crescent as it snakes through the desert landscape.
Kuwait City
Clear aerial views of the Kuwait Towers and the northern tip of the Persian Gulf.
The Pearl-Qatar
An unmatched view of the iconic oyster-shaped man-made island during the descent into Hamad International.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness spectacular desert sunsets. During the approach into Doha, stay alert about 15 minutes before landing for views of Lusail Stadium and The Pearl. Ensure your window is clean as the desert haze can affect photo quality.
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The Bosphorus
A stunning view of the strait dividing Europe and Asia shortly after takeoff from Istanbul.
Zagros Mountains
Breathtaking views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks along the Iran-Iraq border region.
Tigris River
Trace the path of one of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia from 35,000 feet.
West Bay Doha
The futuristic skyline of Doha's business district is often visible on the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and enjoy the soft morning light over the Turkish highlands. This side is also excellent for viewing the Bosphorus if the aircraft departs towards the north before turning south.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for QatarDistance: 2,756 km (1,712 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 40 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Route Type: International
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