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IST → JIB
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Djibouti-Ambouli Airport (Djibouti)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the Sinai Peninsula's rugged peaks, the vibrant turquoise coral reefs along the Egyptian and Sudanese Red Sea coasts, and the dramatic volcanic topography of the Horn of Africa during the descent.
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Sea of Marmara
Beautiful coastal views of Istanbul's southern shoreline immediately after takeoff.
Sinai Peninsula
The iconic triangular desert featuring the stark, majestic peaks of Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's.
Red Sea Coral Reefs
A spectacular display of turquoise lagoons and fringing reefs along the Egyptian and Sudanese coastlines.
Danakil Depression
One of the hottest places on Earth, visible as a surreal, desolate landscape near the Eritrean-Ethiopian border.
Lac Assal
The bright white salt pans of the lowest point in Africa, located just west of the flight path into Djibouti.
The right side is superior for daylight photography, especially for the Red Sea reefs. To avoid the harsh afternoon sun and glare reflecting off the water, opt for a morning departure from Istanbul. Ensure your window is clear, as the volcanic dust near Djibouti can sometimes obscure the view.
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Princes' Islands
Aerial view of the archipelago in the Sea of Marmara shortly after departing Istanbul.
Taurus Mountains
The snow-capped peaks and rugged ridges of the Mediterranean region of Turkey.
Dead Sea
A distant but clear view of the deep blue, hypersaline lake in the Jordan Rift Valley.
Hijaz Mountains
The ancient black granite mountain ranges that run parallel to the Saudi Arabian coast.
Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
The strategic 'Gate of Grief' where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden.
Sit on the left for night flights to potentially see the glowing lights of Medina and the coastal cities of Saudi Arabia. For daytime flights, keep an eye out for the striking contrast between the dark mountains and the sandy desert plains of the Arabian Peninsula.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for DjiboutiDistance: 3,592 km (2,232 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 14 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: JIB (11.547300338745115, 43.15950012207031)
Route Type: International
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