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IST → NAJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Nakhchivan Airport (Nakhchivan)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is the clear winner for this route, primarily for the spectacular and close-up views of Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey, alongside the vast volcanic plateaus of Eastern Anatolia.
Search flights from IST to NAJ
Bosphorus Strait
A magnificent view of the divide between Europe and Asia immediately after departure.
Mount Ararat
The iconic, snow-capped dormant volcano that dominates the horizon near the journey's end.
Anatolian Plateau
A vast expanse of high-altitude desert and volcanic formations across central Turkey.
Lake Van View
Distant glimpses of the deep blue saline lake, the largest in Turkey, located to the south.
Aras River Valley
The fertile valley and river that forms the border between Turkey and neighboring nations.
Mount Ararat is the main attraction; ensure you are seated behind the wing for a clear view. Morning flights are highly recommended as the air is usually clearer, providing a sharp silhouette of the mountain before thermal clouds form.
Book Hotels in NakhchivanBlack Sea Coastline
Stunning views of the northern Turkish coast where the green mountains meet the dark sea.
Pontic Mountains
A rugged mountain range stretching along the northern edge of the Anatolian plateau.
Coruh River Basin
Deeply carved valleys and winding river paths through the high-altitude terrain.
Lesser Caucasus
Distant views of the jagged peaks marking the border between Turkey, Georgia, and Armenia.
Nakhchivan Exclave
The unique topography of the Nakhchivan region becomes visible during the descent.
The left side is particularly good during the initial climb out of Istanbul for views of the Black Sea. For the best lighting on the northern mountain faces, try to book a flight that departs in the late afternoon to avoid the sun's glare.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for AzerbaijanDistance: 1,435 km (892 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 55 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: NAJ (39.18880081176758, 45.45840072631836)
Route Type: International
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