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KUF destination photo
MSQ destination photo

KUFMSQ

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

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.

Top Activities in Minsk 2
Route Information

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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