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LOS â IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer vast desert landscapes, the right side provides a superior perspective of the central Sahara's mountain massifs and a more frequent view of the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus during the standard approach into Istanbul Airport.
Aïr Mountains
The striking dark volcanic peaks of Niger rising sharply from the golden sands of the TÊnÊrÊ Desert.
Libyan Desert Dunes
Spectacular views of massive longitudinal sand dunes and remote desert oases in eastern Algeria and western Libya.
Crete and Aegean Islands
A bird's-eye view of the largest Greek island and the scattered gems of the Cyclades.
Sea of Marmara
Dotted with shipping vessels waiting to enter the Bosphorus Strait as the plane descends into Turkey.
Istanbul Peninsula
Stunning views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus bridges during the final approach pattern.
For the best experience, book an overnight flight arriving at dawn; the sunrise over the Sahara is breathtaking. On the approach to IST, planes often loop around the city, giving the right side a panoramic view of the historic peninsula and the Black Sea entrance.
Lagos Lagoon
Aerial view of the sprawling Lagos metropolis and the intricate network of lagoons and waterways upon departure.
Tassili n'Ajjer
The dramatic sandstone arches and lunar-like rock forests of the Algerian Sahara visible as the plane heads north.
Peloponnese Coast
The rugged coastline of southern Greece and the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea.
Mount Olympus
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the home of the Greek gods are visible to the northwest.
Mediterranean Sunset
Ideal for evening flights to catch the sun setting over the Mediterranean horizon.
Choose the left side for afternoon departures to avoid direct glare from the sun while crossing the Sahara. This side is also excellent for spotting the lights of the North African coast and Southern European islands during night flights.
Distance: 4,606 km (2,862 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 25 min
Departure: LOS (6.5773701667785645, 3.321160078048706)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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