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IST → ROV
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Platov International Airport (Rostov)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning Crimean coastline and the unique geography of the Sea of Azov before descending into the Don River basin.
Istanbul Northern Coast
Glimpse the expansive northern forests and Black Sea shoreline of Istanbul right after takeoff.
Black Sea Expanse
Continuous views of the deep blue waters as the aircraft crosses the central maritime route.
Crimean Peninsula
The dramatic cliffs and coastal cities like Yalta and Sevastopol are often visible to the north.
Kerch Strait
On clear days, see the bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia separating the Black and Azov seas.
Don River Delta
View the intricate wetlands and agricultural patterns where the Don River meets the Sea of Azov.
Choose a window seat on the left for better views of the Crimean coastline. Afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, illuminating the landscape without glare. Keep an eye out for the Don River's winding path during the final approach to ROV.
Bosphorus Strait
See the iconic bridge connecting Europe and Asia if the departure path turns slightly east.
Turkish Northern Coast
Views of the Pontic mountain range meeting the sea along the Turkish Black Sea coast.
Kuban Steppes
Expansive, colorful agricultural fields of the Krasnodar Krai region in southern Russia.
Rostov-on-Don
The sprawling urban area of Rostov and the Don Arena stadium may be visible during the descent.
The right side is excellent for early morning flights to see the sunrise over the Black Sea. Look for the sharp contrast between the sea and the rugged terrain of the Kuban region as you cross into Russian airspace. Depending on the wind direction, you may see the Rostov city center during the landing pattern.
Distance: 1,123 km (698 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: ROV (47.493888, 39.924722)
Route Type: International
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