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KSY → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Kars Airport (Kars) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the snow-capped Kaçkar Mountains and a breathtaking approach over the Bosphorus Strait entering Istanbul.
Search flights from KSY to IST
Kaçkar Mountains
Magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Pontic Alps visible shortly after takeoff.
Bolu Forests
Dense, vibrant green forest cover near the Yedigöller region.
Black Sea Coastline
The dramatic meeting of the dark blue sea and the lush northern Turkish coast.
Bosphorus Strait
The world-famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia during the IST approach.
Istanbul Metropolis
Aerial views of the city's modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks.
The right side is premier for the iconic Bosphorus view during the descent into IST. In winter, the Kaçkar mountains are exceptionally photogenic. Afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the coastline.
Book Hotels in IstanbulMunzur Mountains
Rugged alpine terrain and deep valleys of the Eastern Anatolian plateau.
Euphrates Basin
The winding path of the upper Euphrates river snaking through the highlands.
Anatolian Steppe
Expansive golden plains transitioning from the east to central Turkey.
Ankara Skyline
A distant view of the Turkish capital's sprawling urban layout.
Sea of Marmara
Glimpses of the sea as the aircraft maneuvers for its final approach.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the high plateau. Look for the contrast between the rugged eastern mountains and the flatter central plains near Sivas.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,208 km (751 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min
Departure: KSY (40.562198638916016, 43.1150016784668)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: Domestic
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