IST → KZN

Black Sea Coast

Clear views of the northern Turkish coastline and the deep blue waters of the Black Sea immediately after takeoff from IST.

Caucasus Foothills

Distant glimpses of the snow-capped Western Caucasus mountains as the flight enters Russian airspace near the Krasnodar region.

Russian Heartland

Extensive views of the geometric agricultural patterns and vast steppes of the Rostov and Voronezh regions.

Volga River Bend

The massive, winding path of the Volga River becomes visible as the aircraft descends toward the Tatarstan region.

Kazan Kremlin

On the final approach, the white-stone walls of the Kremlin and the turquoise minarets of the Qolşärif Mosque are often visible.

The Bosphorus

A distant but distinct view of the strait connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, marking the border of Europe and Asia.

Crimean Horizon

Depending on the specific airway, the southern coastline of the Crimean Peninsula may be visible across the Black Sea.

Tsimlyansk Reservoir

A massive man-made reservoir on the Don River, appearing like an inland sea amidst the Russian plains.

Kama River Confluence

The impressive sight where the Kama River joins the Volga, creating one of the widest river spans in Europe just south of Kazan.

Tatarstan Forests

Dense patches of mixed forests and river valleys characteristic of the transition into the Volga-Ural geographical region.