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IST → OSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Mosul International Airport (Mosul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side provides an exceptional view of the historic city of Mardin and the dramatic transition from the Taurus Mountains into the fertile Mesopotamian plains, following the path of the Tigris River into Mosul.
Search flights from IST to OSM
Black Sea Coast
Aerial views of the northern Anatolian shoreline and the lush green forests of the Pontic range shortly after departure.
Eastern Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, snow-capped peaks that define the rugged landscape of Eastern Turkey.
Ancient Mardin
The golden-hued historic city built on a cliffside, overlooking the vast plains of Northern Mesopotamia.
The Tigris River
The winding silver ribbon of the Tigris as it marks the cradle of civilization and leads directly toward Mosul.
Batman & Hasankeyf
Views of the oil-rich Batman region and the surrounding historic valleys near the Ilisu Dam reservoir.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. The approach into Mosul from the north often aligns perfectly with the Tigris River, providing a stunning view of the Nineveh plains. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition where the mountains suddenly drop into flat, sun-baked plains.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for IraqIstanbul Skyline
Depending on departure direction, a view of the sprawling metropolis and the Sea of Marmara.
Mount Erciyes
The towering volcanic peak of Central Anatolia visible in the distance across the Anatolian plateau.
Atatürk Dam
One of the world's largest earth-fill dams, creating a massive turquoise reservoir on the Euphrates River.
Fertile Crescent
The agricultural heartland of Upper Mesopotamia with its unique geometric irrigation patterns.
Syrian Border
In the distance, the geopolitical line separating Turkey from Northern Syria is visible through the change in land use.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be behind you or to the west, illuminating the landscape below. Look for the massive Atatürk Dam about two-thirds of the way through the flight; it is the most prominent landmark on this side. During winter, the contrast between the snowy Anatolian interior and the dry southern plains is striking.
Book Hotels in MosulDistance: 1,362 km (846 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 49 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: OSM (36.305801, 43.1474)
Route Type: International
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