Loading map...
IST → TIF
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Ta’if Regional Airport (Taif)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Turkish Mediterranean coastline, the stunning turquoise waters of the Red Sea, and the dramatic Sarawat mountain range upon approach to Taif.
Search flights from IST to TIF
Istanbul Peninsula
A panoramic view of the historic Golden Horn and the Bosphorus Bridge immediately after takeoff.
Antalya Coastline
The dramatic meeting of the Mediterranean Sea and the jagged cliffs of the Turkish Riviera.
Red Sea Coast
Stunning contrasts between deep blue water, coral reefs, and the golden sands of the Hejaz region.
Sarawat Mountains
The massive mountain escarpment that rises sharply from the Tihamah coastal plain toward Taif.
Al Hada Road
The famous zigzagging mountain pass road visible during the final descent into Taif Airport.
Choose the right side for sunset flights to catch the golden hour over the Red Sea. This side is particularly spectacular during the descent into Taif, where you can see the dramatic altitude change of the Hejaz mountains. Window seats behind the wing offer the best perspective for the steep mountain approach.
Book Hotels in TaifSea of Marmara
Aerial views of the shipping lanes and small islands south of Istanbul shortly after departure.
Lake Tuz
One of the world's largest hyper-saline lakes, appearing as a massive white salt crust in central Turkey.
Taurus Mountains
Rugged, snow-dusted peaks of the Bolkar and Aladağlar ranges in southern Anatolia.
Wadi Rum Borders
The transition from Jordanian highlands to the vast, red-tinted desert landscapes of northern Saudi Arabia.
An Nafud Desert
Endless waves of longitudinal dunes and vast sandy plains characteristic of the Arabian Peninsula.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition between the green Anatolian plateaus and the arid Arabian desert. For the best views of Lake Tuz, ensure you are seated ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for Saudi ArabiaDistance: 2,463 km (1,530 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 17 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: TIF (21.483001, 40.543442)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.