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IST → HAJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Hannover Airport (Hannover)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of views starting with the Black Sea coastline, followed by the dramatic curve of the Carpathian Mountains and the historic cityscape of Prague.
Black Sea Coastline
Dramatic aerial views of the Turkish and Bulgarian shores immediately after departing Istanbul.
Carpathian Mountains
The 'Transylvanian Alps' offer jagged peaks and deep valleys as the flight crosses Romania.
Prague Cityscape
The distinctive spires and Vltava River loops of the Czech capital are frequently visible.
Harz Mountains
The northernmost mountain range in Germany, featuring the Brocken peak, visible just before landing.
The right side is ideal for capturing the Black Sea's turquoise waters. To see the Carpathians clearly, choose a flight that departs IST in the late morning or early afternoon for optimal lighting. As you approach Hannover, watch for the geometric patterns of the North German Plain.
Marmara Sea Vistas
Glancing south shortly after takeoff provides a wide view of the sea and the Istanbul peninsula.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged peaks of the Stara Planina range stretching across central Bulgaria.
Belgrade Confluence
The meeting point of the Sava and Danube rivers at the heart of the Serbian capital.
Thuringian Forest
Deep green forested ridges of central Germany appearing during the initial descent phase.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid glare. Keep an eye out for the Danube River, which will weave in and out of view across Serbia and Hungary. During the winter, the snow-capped Balkan peaks are particularly striking.
Distance: 1,900 km (1,181 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 32 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: HAJ (52.461101532, 9.68507957458)
Route Type: International
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