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IST → IFN
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Esfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport (Esfahan)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an incredible journey across the most dramatic topography, featuring the Taurus Mountains, the deep blue expanse of Lake Van, and the magnificent folded ridges of the Zagros range.
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Taurus Mountains
Rugged limestone peaks and deep canyons of the southern Turkish mountain chain.
Lake Van
A massive, deep-blue soda lake, which is the largest body of water in Turkey.
Zagros Mountains
One of the world's most impressive examples of folded mountain belts, stretching across western Iran.
Central Iranian Basins
Geometric agricultural patterns and traditional irrigation systems visible in the desert landscape.
Isfahan Approach
Panoramic views of the historical city and its surrounding oasis as the plane descends.
The right side is the star of this route, especially for the crossing of Lake Van and the Zagros. Sit behind the wing to capture the scale of the mountain folds. On evening flights, the setting sun casts long shadows over the Zagros ridges, highlighting their unique texture. During the descent into IFN, look for the historical Zayandeh River path.
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Black Sea Coastline
Aerial view of the northern Turkish coast as the plane climbs and turns east from IST.
Anatolian Plateau
The high-altitude heartland of Turkey, characterized by vast steppes and unique geological formations.
Lake Urmia
The striking, often reddish-tinted salt lake in northwestern Iran, surrounded by white salt flats.
Alborz Mountains
Distant views of the rugged mountain range that separates the Iranian plateau from the Caspian Sea.
Tabriz Metro Area
Flight path usually passes north of this major Iranian cultural and industrial hub.
The left side is superior for observing the color shifts of Lake Urmia and the distant snowy peaks of the Alborz. For morning flights, this side will be in the shade, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Look for the distinct salt crusts along the Urmia shoreline during the mid-portion of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for IranDistance: 2,251 km (1,399 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: IFN (32.75080108642578, 51.86130142211914)
Route Type: International
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