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IST → SYZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Shiraz Shahid Dastghaib International Airport (Shiraz)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the dramatic parallel ridges of the Zagros Mountains and the striking pink hues of Maharloo Lake during the final approach into Shiraz.
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Istanbul Outskirts
See the sprawling urban landscape and the Bosphorus strait during the initial climb.
Zagros Mountains
Fly over the spectacular 'folded' mountain belts of the Zagros, featuring deep canyons and limestone ridges.
Maharloo Lake
Spot the vibrant seasonal pink salt lake located just southeast of Shiraz during the final descent.
Persepolis Region
Survey the high plains that once housed the heart of the Achaemenid Empire as you approach the destination.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to get the most dramatic shadows on the Zagros mountain folds. Request a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of Maharloo Lake's pink waters, which are most vibrant in the dry season (late summer and autumn). Seasonal visibility is best in late spring when the peaks are still capped with snow.
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Lake Van
View the deep turquoise waters of Turkey's largest lake, surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Lake Urmia
Witness the shrinking salt lake's unique white mineral crusts and occasional reddish tints from the air.
Alborz Range
On exceptionally clear days, look north to see the distant snow-capped peaks of northern Iran.
Central Iranian Plateau
Observe the stark beauty of the arid plains and the transition into Iran's high-altitude desert landscapes.
Choose the left side for morning departures to avoid direct sun glare. This side is superior for spotting the massive salt expanses of Lake Urmia. Keep an eye out about mid-way through the flight for the rugged transition from the Turkish highlands into the Iranian plateau.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for IranDistance: 2,511 km (1,560 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 21 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: SYZ (29.53919982910156, 52.58980178833008)
Route Type: International
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