Loading map...
IST → NJF
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Al Najaf International Airport (Najaf)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a breathtaking perspective of the Taurus Mountains across Turkey and the historic Euphrates River as you enter the Mesopotamian plains, ending with a potential view of the golden dome of the Imam Ali Shrine.
Search flights from IST to NJF
Sea of Marmara
Scenic coastal views of the Princes' Islands and the southern Marmara coastline.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, jagged limestone peaks and deep valleys stretching across Southern Turkey.
Atatürk Dam
A massive reservoir on the Euphrates River, appearing as a turquoise jewel in the dry landscape.
Euphrates River Valley
The fertile green strip that contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert sands of Iraq.
Najaf Horizon
The urban sprawl of the holy city, with the golden reflections of the shrine visible on a clear approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the southern sun. Keep your camera ready over Central Turkey for the Taurus Mountains. During the descent, the transition into the fertile crescent between the two great rivers is most visible on this side.
Book Hotels in Najaf
The Bosporus
Aerial views of the iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia shortly after takeoff.
Lake Tuz
The vast white expanse of Turkey's second-largest lake, known for its high salinity and pink hues.
The Tigris River
Visible as a winding silver ribbon snaking through the northern Iraqi landscape.
Zagros Foothills
Distant views of the rugged mountain range bordering Iran to the east.
Try to secure a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Afternoon flights provide excellent lighting for the salt flats of Lake Tuz. Look for the distinct change from the green Anatolian plateaus to the arid Iraqi desert landscapes.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for IraqDistance: 1,732 km (1,076 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: NJF (31.989853000000004, 44.404317)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.