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IST → JED
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic Sinai Peninsula, the turquoise waters of the Red Sea, and the iconic coastal approach into Jeddah.
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Island of Cyprus
As you leave Turkish airspace, the entire northern and eastern coastline of Cyprus is often visible in the Mediterranean.
Sinai Peninsula
A breathtaking view of the stark, mountainous Sinai desert, including the area around Mount Sinai.
Gulf of Aqaba
The narrow strip of deep blue water separating Egypt from Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Red Sea Coral Reefs
Stunning turquoise circular reef patterns visible in the shallow waters along the Saudi coastline.
King Fahd's Fountain
During the final descent into JED, you can often see the world's tallest fountain shooting water into the sky.
Choose the right side for afternoon flights to witness spectacular sunsets over the Red Sea. The transition from the golden Sinai sands to the deep blue Red Sea is a highlight; this occurs roughly 2 hours into the flight. For the best view of the Jeddah Waterfront, ensure your window is clean for the low-altitude descent.
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Mount Uludağ
Shortly after takeoff, view the prominent snow-capped peak near Bursa, a famous Turkish ski resort.
Taurus Mountains
A spectacular crossing of the rugged, jagged peaks of the Taurus range in southern Turkey.
Hijaz Mountains
The ancient, dark volcanic rock formations and deep wadis of the Saudi Arabian interior.
Madinah Outskirts
On specific flight paths, the distant glow or grid pattern of the holy city of Madinah can be spotted.
The left side is best for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes after departure for the Turkish highlands. During night flights, look for the brightly lit desert settlements which stand out against the pitch-black sands.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 2,388 km (1,484 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 11 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Route Type: International
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