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KUL → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point for the high mountain ranges of Central Asia and the diverse coastlines of the Caspian and Black Seas, benefiting from better lighting conditions away from the direct sun.
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Himalayan Skyline
On clear days, the distant northern horizon reveals the massive, snow-covered peaks of the Great Himalayas.
Hindu Kush Mountains
Dramatic overflight of the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Afghanistan and northern Pakistan.
Caspian Sea Coast
Views of the lush, green southern shores of the Caspian Sea contrasted against the Elburz Mountains.
Mount Ararat
The majestic, snow-capped dormant volcano in Eastern Turkey, famously associated with the legend of Noah's Ark.
Bosphorus Strait
If approaching from the north, enjoy a world-class view of the waterway dividing Europe and Asia.
The right side is the 'cool' side of the aircraft, offering soft lighting perfect for photography. Aim for a seat ahead of the wing to get an unobstructed view of Mount Ararat and the Black Sea coastline. Most flights from KUL depart at night; if so, focus your attention during the last 4 hours of the flight as dawn breaks over the Middle East and Turkey.
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Andaman Archipelago
Aerial views of the turquoise waters and emerald islands of the Andaman and Nicobar chain shortly after departure.
Indian Subcontinent
Observation of the vast agricultural landscapes and dense urban sprawl of central and western India.
Dasht-e Lut
The striking yardangs and salt flats of the Lut Desert in Iran, known as one of the hottest places on Earth.
Sea of Marmara
Views of the heavy maritime traffic and the southern coastline of Istanbul during the final approach.
The left side is prone to direct sunlight and glare for much of the journey on daytime flights, as the sun remains to the south. It is ideal for night flights to capture the glowing grids of major Indian and Iranian cities.
Get eSIMs for Malaysia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 8,387 km (5,211 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 52 min
Departure: KUL (2.7455799579619997, 101.70999908446998)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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