Loading map...

IST destination photo
SAH destination photo

ISTSAH

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers a superior visual journey, featuring the dramatic Taurus Mountains in Turkey, glimpses of the Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines, and the jagged peaks of the Hijaz and Asir mountain ranges during the descent into Yemen.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🌉

Bosphorus Strait

A stunning view of the waterway dividing the continents if the flight path tracks south-east after takeoff.

🏔️

Taurus Mountains

Snow-capped limestone peaks in southern Turkey that provide dramatic relief against the blue sky.

🏖️

Mediterranean Coastline

Depending on the corridor, views of the turquoise waters near the Gulf of Iskenderun or the Levant coast.

🌊

Red Sea Horizon

The distant shimmering blue of the Red Sea serves as a constant companion while flying over western Saudi Arabia.

⛰️

Asir Mountains

The most verdant and rugged part of the Arabian Peninsula, featuring steep escarpments and high peaks.

🏛️

Sana'a Basin

A breathtaking descent over the high-altitude volcanic landscape and traditional architecture of the Yemeni highlands.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare while capturing the golden hour over the Asir mountains. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, keep your window shade up for the approach into Sana'a, which is one of the highest and most scenic airport approaches in the world.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🌊

Sea of Marmara

Initial views of the sea separating Europe and Asia immediately after departure from Istanbul.

🌾

Central Anatolian Plateau

The vast, high-altitude interior of Turkey, characterized by unique geological formations and agricultural patterns.

🏜️

An-Nafud Desert

Spectacular views of the reddish sands and large crescent-shaped dunes of the northern Arabian Peninsula.

🏙️

Hail Region

Aerial perspective of the historic crossroads city in Saudi Arabia, surrounded by unique rock formations.

🏜️

The Empty Quarter Edge

As the flight moves south, the eastern horizon reveals the beginning of the world's largest sand sea.

Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the soft sunrise light over the Turkish plateau. It provides the best view of the vastness of the Arabian desert's interior, though it can be quite bright and hazy during mid-day travel.

Top Activities in Sanaa
Route Information

Distance: 3,232 km (2,008 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 48 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: SAH (15.476300239562988, 44.21969985961914)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.