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KSY → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Kars Airport (Kars) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of the Eastern Anatolian plateau and the rugged Munzur mountain range, providing more diverse geographic features compared to the northern route.
Munzur Mountains
Breathtaking views of the jagged, snow-capped limestone peaks extending along the southern horizon.
Euphrates River
Aerial perspective of the Karasu, a major branch of the Euphrates, winding through deep canyons near Erzincan.
Sivas Basin
A clear view of the historical city of Sivas nestled within the high-altitude steppe and rolling hills.
Mount Erciyes
On exceptionally clear days, the distant silhouette of the massive stratovolcano can be spotted to the southwest.
Central Anatolian Plateau
A transition from rugged mountains to the unique golden-hued rolling plains as the flight nears Ankara.
Choose a morning flight for the best lighting on the southern mountain faces. During winter months, this side offers a spectacular 'frozen tundra' aesthetic across the highlands. Keep an eye out for the Keban Dam reservoir in the far distance about halfway through the flight.
Kaçkar Mountains
Distant views of the Pontic Alps' highest peaks visible to the north, especially stunning with snow cover.
Çoruh River Valley
Rugged northern terrain characterized by steep valleys and the complex geography of the Kelkit corridor.
Kızılırmak River
Views of Turkey's longest river as it bends northward toward the Black Sea near the approach to Ankara.
Kırıkkale Industrial Hub
Visual transition from wilderness to urban development, featuring large industrial complexes near the capital.
The right side is ideal for spotting the distant Black Sea mountains if atmospheric visibility is high. For the descent into Esenboğa, this side often provides a broader view of the hilly terrain surrounding the Ankara province. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to reduce atmospheric haze when looking north.
Distance: 859 km (534 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: KSY (40.562198638916016, 43.1150016784668)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: Domestic
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