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MBA β IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Mombasa Moi International Airport (Mombasa) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is favored for its iconic views of the Nile River, the Great Pyramids of Giza during the transition to the Mediterranean, and the dramatic landscapes of the Kenyan Highlands and Rift Valley.
Mount Kenya
Shorty after takeoff, look out for the jagged, snow-dusted peaks of Kenya's highest mountain rising above the clouds.
Lake Turkana
The world's largest permanent desert lake, known as the Jade Sea, provides a stunning turquoise contrast to the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The Nile River
The flight path often parallels the Nile through Sudan and Egypt, offering views of the narrow green ribbon of life amidst the Sahara.
Great Pyramids of Giza
As the aircraft approaches the Mediterranean coast near Cairo, the ancient pyramids are often visible on the edge of the desert.
Western Anatolian Coast
On the final approach into Istanbul, the rugged coastline and turquoise waters of the Aegean and Marmara seas come into view.
Sit on the left for the best chance to spot the Pyramids near Cairo; they appear relatively small from 35,000 feet, so keep your eyes peeled. This route is often flown overnight by major carriers like Turkish Airlines; if so, choose the left side to see the sprawling, golden light grids of Cairo and the dense urban glow of Istanbul upon arrival.
Danakil Depression
Aerial views of one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth, featuring colorful salt flats and volcanic craters near the Ethiopian border.
Red Sea Coastline
Spectacular views of the coral reefs and deep blue waters of the Red Sea as the plane tracks north toward the Sinai.
Sinai Peninsula
The rugged, reddish-brown mountains of the Sinai, including the historic Mount Sinai, create a stark and beautiful desert mosaic.
Island of Cyprus
While crossing the Mediterranean, the entire island of Cyprus is frequently visible, surrounded by deep blue sea.
Taurus Mountains
As you enter Turkish airspace, the snow-capped Taurus range provides a dramatic entry into the Anatolian plateau.
The right side is excellent for early morning flights to catch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. It offers a more continuous view of the coastal boundaries between Africa and the Middle East. If flying during the day, the contrast between the blue sea and the yellow-orange sands of the Arabian Desert to the east is breathtaking.
Distance: 5,157 km (3,204 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 4 min
Departure: MBA (-4.034830093383788, 39.594200134277344)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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