Loading map...
IST → OVB
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Greater Caucasus mountain range, the shimmering Caspian Sea, and the vast, winding Ob River basin as you descend into Siberia.
Greater Caucasus Range
Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, including Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Europe.
Caspian Sea Shoreline
The southern trajectory offers a view of the world's largest inland body of water and its unique coastal formations.
Ustyurt Plateau
A striking desert landscape with chalk cliffs and canyons visible as the flight crosses into Central Asia.
Ob River Valley
The majestic Ob River, one of the longest in the world, becomes clearly visible during the final descent into Novosibirsk.
Secure a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the Caucasus Mountains, which are the absolute highlight of this route. For morning flights, this side will be very bright, so high-quality sunglasses are recommended. Look out for the massive Novosibirsk Reservoir (the 'Ob Sea') just before landing.
Black Sea Crossing
Expansive views of the deep blue Black Sea shortly after departure from Istanbul's northern coast.
Volga River Delta
Witness the intricate network of the Volga River as it flows toward the Caspian Sea near Astrakhan.
Kazakh Steppes
An endless horizon of the Great Eurasian Steppe, displaying unique agricultural patterns and seasonal colors.
Southern Ural Mountains
The ancient, low-lying peaks that define the geographical border between the European and Asian continents.
The left side is preferable during late afternoon flights to avoid direct solar glare. Watch for the lights of Samara or Chelyabinsk if flying during twilight or night hours. This side provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Russian interior plains.
Distance: 4,159 km (2,584 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 54 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: OVB (55.012599945068, 82.650703430176)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.