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KIV → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Chişinău International Airport (Chisinau) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers superior views of the intricate Danube Delta, the diverse Bulgarian coastline, and the sprawling urban landscape of Istanbul upon approach.
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Gagauzia Steppes
The rolling agricultural plains and rural landscapes of Southern Moldova.
Danube Delta
A breathtaking view of the UNESCO-listed wetlands where the Danube meets the Black Sea.
Bulgarian Riviera
Distant views of the golden beaches and resorts near Varna and Burgas.
Terkos Lake
The large freshwater reservoir located immediately west of Istanbul Airport.
Istanbul Urban Sprawl
Dramatic aerial perspectives of the modern architecture and massive infrastructure of the European side.
The right side is the clear winner for geographic diversity. Sit here for the best views of the Danube Delta's unique green-and-blue patterns. During landing at IST, the right side usually provides a better look at the massive scale of the new airport and the surrounding Thrace landscape.
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Odessa Skyline
A clear view of the historic port city and the Gulf of Odessa early in the flight.
Black Sea Horizon
Expansive views of the deep blue Black Sea as the aircraft tracks the coastline.
Port of Chornomorsk
The industrial infrastructure of one of Ukraine's primary maritime hubs.
Bosphorus North Entrance
Spotting the northern mouth of the famous strait as you descend towards Istanbul.
Choose this side for early morning flights to catch the sunrise over the Black Sea. It is generally quieter for photography due to the vast water horizon, though landmarks are fewer after leaving the Odessa region.
Get eSIMs for Moldova
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 629 km (391 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 3 min
Departure: KIV (46.92770004272461, 28.93099975585937)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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