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ISU → AMM
Which side of the plane to sit from Sulaymaniyah International Airport (Sulaymaniyah) to Queen Alia International Airport (Amman)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of Iraq's iconic river systems, including the Euphrates, and the striking blue contrast of the Anbar desert lakes.
Zagros Foothills
Dramatic view of the rugged, folded mountain ridges surrounding Sulaymaniyah during the initial climb.
The Euphrates River
Aerial perspective of the historic river as it snakes through the arid landscape of central Iraq.
Lake Habbaniyah
A large, bright blue water body that provides a stunning visual break from the surrounding tan desert sands.
Al-Anbar Desert
The vast, desolate expanse of western Iraq, featuring interesting geological textures and isolated wadis.
Azraq Wetland
A unique oasis in the eastern Jordanian desert, visible as a patch of green and water before the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights (ISU to AMM) to keep the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for photos of the Mesopotamian plains. Look out for the turquoise shimmer of Lake Milh south of the Habbaniyah area. During winter, the Zagros ridges may be dusted with snow, creating a beautiful contrast.
Northern Zagros Peaks
Higher, more dramatic snow-capped peaks visible to the north immediately after takeoff from ISU.
Kirkuk & Oil Fields
Industrial landscapes and gas flares from one of the world's oldest oil-producing regions.
Tigris River
Views of the upper Tigris as the flight path crosses over the Fertile Crescent.
Badiyat al-Sham
The high Syrian desert plateau extending toward the northern horizon near the border triangle.
Zarqa & Amman Metro
The dense, pale-colored urban sprawl of Jordan's major cities appearing during the descent.
Sit on the right if you are interested in the industrial geography of the Kirkuk region. On the descent into Amman, this side often provides a broader view of the city's unique limestone architecture. Note that the afternoon sun can be quite harsh on this side of the cabin.
Distance: 962 km (598 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: ISU (35.5617485046, 45.3167381287)
Arrival: AMM (31.7226009369, 35.9931983948)
Route Type: International
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