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KUF → MSQ
Which side of the plane to sit from Kurumoch International Airport (Samara) to Minsk National Airport (Minsk 2)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic Samara Bend (Samarskaya Luka) upon departure and a more direct view of the Minsk city skyline during the standard approach into MSQ.
Samara Bend
A spectacular view of the Volga River's 180-degree loop around the Zhiguli Mountains immediately after takeoff.
Penza City
Aerial view of the Sura River crossing through the heart of Penza's urban landscape.
Tula Region
Look out for the industrial sprawl and historical urban layouts of the Tula oblast.
Desna River
The plane crosses numerous winding tributaries that feed into the major river systems of the Central Russian Upland.
Minsk City Center
During the final descent into Minsk National Airport, the city's Soviet-era architecture and modern districts are prominently visible.
Sit on the left for the most dramatic views of the Volga River at departure. For evening flights, expect the sun to be on this side, which can create glare but offers beautiful golden hour lighting over the Russian plains. In winter, the frozen Samara Bend creates a unique white-on-white geographical pattern.
Zhiguli Nature Reserve
The northern limestone peaks of the Zhiguli Mountains and the dense forests of the national park.
Kuybyshev Reservoir
One of the largest reservoirs in the world, appearing like a massive inland sea north of Tolyatti.
Oka River Meanders
View of the winding Oka River as the flight path passes south of the Moscow metropolitan area.
Smolensk Upland
The transition from the Russian plains to the rolling, forested hills of the Belarusian border region.
Zaslavskoye Reservoir
Commonly known as the 'Minsk Sea', this large body of water is a key landmark just northwest of the airport.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as you will be facing away from the sun, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Russian forest-steppe. It also offers a better view of the massive Kuybyshev Reservoir shortly after leaving the Samara region.
Distance: 1,452 km (902 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: KUF (53.504901885986, 50.16429901123)
Arrival: MSQ (53.882499694824, 28.030700683594)
Route Type: International
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