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IST → MSQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Minsk National Airport (Minsk 2)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers the iconic view of the Bosphorus Strait upon departure from Istanbul and the scenic Minsk Sea during the approach into Belarus.
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Bosphorus Strait
A stunning perspective of the waterway dividing Europe and Asia, including the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.
Balkan Mountains
The rolling green ridges of the Bulgarian interior visible shortly after crossing the Black Sea.
Bucharest Perimeter
Distant views of the Romanian capital's urban sprawl and the Danube river basin.
Minsk Sea
The Zaslawskaye Reservoir, known as the Minsk Sea, is often clearly visible on the final approach to MSQ.
Request a window seat on the right for the departure from IST; most runways provide a banking turn that showcases the Istanbul skyline. For the best photography of the Bosphorus, ensure your window is clean before takeoff.
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Black Sea Coast
Aerial view of the northern Turkish coastline and the deep blue transition into the Black Sea.
Southern Carpathians
Rugged peaks and deep valleys of the Romanian mountain ranges visible during the detour around Ukraine.
Polesia Marshes
The unique swampy landscapes and dense woodlands of southern Belarus as you enter the country's airspace.
Lublin Suburbs
Glimpses of eastern Polish settlements and structured farmland during the northern transit.
Sit on the left if you are taking a morning flight to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side offers the best views of the Carpathian mountain range during the mid-flight transit through EU airspace.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for BelarusDistance: 1,403 km (872 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: MSQ (53.882499694824, 28.030700683594)
Route Type: International
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