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IST → SJJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Sarajevo International Airport (Sarajevo)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the highest mountain ranges in the Balkan Peninsula, including the Rila and Pirin massifs, and a more dramatic approach over the Olympic mountains surrounding Sarajevo.
Search flights from IST to SJJ
Sea of Marmara
Initial views of the busy shipping lanes and the Thracian coastline shortly after takeoff from Istanbul.
Rila & Pirin Mountains
Spectacular views of Bulgaria's highest peaks, including Musala, which remains snow-capped well into spring.
Iskar Reservoir
A massive blue expanse located just southeast of Sofia, surrounded by dense pine forests.
Zlatibor Massif
The rolling green hills and deep valleys of Western Serbia, known for its unique pine trees.
Jahorina & Bjelašnica
The 1984 Olympic mountains flanking Sarajevo, providing a rugged limestone backdrop during final descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side provides the best perspective of the Rila Mountains roughly 40 minutes into the flight. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of the flight as the plane maneuvers through the tight Dinaric mountain passes into the Sarajevo valley.
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Black Sea Coast
Depending on the departure runway, you may see the wilder, sandy shorelines north of Istanbul.
Stara Planina
The 'Old Mountain' range that divides Bulgaria, offering a long chain of rugged ridges to the north.
Drina River
Watch for the turquoise, winding waters of the Drina which forms the natural border between Serbia and Bosnia.
Sarajevo Valley
A wide-angle view of the red-roofed houses and minarets in the suburbs of the city as you land.
Trebević Mountain
The mountain directly overlooking Sarajevo's Old Town, identifiable by its steep slopes and cable car line.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade. It offers better views of the northern Serbian plains and the lush, green river gorges of Eastern Bosnia. During landing at SJJ, the right side often looks down onto the residential districts and the Miljacka river valley.
Book Hotels in SarajevoDistance: 899 km (559 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: SJJ (43.82460021972656, 18.331499099731445)
Route Type: International
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