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IST → KFS
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Kastamonu Airport (Kastamonu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the rugged Pontic Mountains and the dramatic Ilgaz range, especially during the descent into Kastamonu's mountainous terrain.
Belgrad Forest
Immediate views of Istanbul's northern green lungs and the freshwater reservoirs after takeoff.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The third Bosphorus bridge is often visible during the initial climb out of IST heading east.
Bolu Mountains
Dense pine forests and often snow-capped peaks of the Western Black Sea mountain ranges.
Ilgaz Mountain Range
Spectacular views of the Ilgaz National Park peaks, reaching over 2,500 meters, during the approach.
Kastamonu Valley
The final descent offers a birds-eye view of the traditional Anatolian architecture and the city's historic castle.
Choose the right side for the most dramatic topography. The approach into KFS is particularly scenic on this side as the plane maneuvers through the valleys. During winter, the snow-covered Ilgaz mountains are a must-see. Evening flights offer beautiful light over the Anatolian interior.
Black Sea Horizon
Unobstructed views of the deep blue Black Sea stretching toward the northern horizon.
Zonguldak Coastline
Industrial ports and the urban sprawl of Zonguldak nestled between the sea and steep hills.
Amasra Peninsula
If the flight path is northerly, the historic and picturesque town of Amasra can be spotted jutting into the sea.
Coastal Cliffs
Dramatic rocky formations where the mountains of northern Anatolia meet the water's edge.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is best for capturing the contrast between the turquoise coastal waters and the dark green mountain slopes. Look out for small fishing villages dotted along the coastline during the middle third of the flight.
Distance: 421 km (262 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 42 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KFS (41.31420135498047, 33.79579925537109)
Route Type: Domestic
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