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MCT → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Muscat International Airport (Muscat) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic Zagros Mountains in Iran, the stunning turquoise expanse of Lake Van, and the iconic Bosphorus Strait during the descent into Istanbul.
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Zagros Mountains
Spectacular views of the folded mountain ridges of Western Iran and Northern Iraq.
Lake Van
The massive, bright blue soda lake in Eastern Turkey, surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Mount Erciyes
A towering dormant volcano rising above the Central Anatolian plateau near Kayseri.
Bosphorus Strait
The world-famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible during the final approach to IST.
Pontic Mountains
The lush, green slopes of Northern Turkey as the flight approaches the Black Sea coast.
The right side is prime for the approach into Istanbul; if the flight loops over the Black Sea, you will see the entire city and the Bosphorus. On evening flights, this side catches the golden hour glow over the Anatolian plateau.
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Muscat Coastline
Aerial views of the rugged Omani coastline and the Al Hajar mountain range shortly after takeoff.
UAE Skyline
Distant views of the Dubai and Sharjah skylines as the flight tracks along the Persian Gulf.
Mesopotamian Plains
The vast, flat landscapes of southern Iraq where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic limestone peaks and deep valleys in southern Turkey near the Mediterranean border.
Istanbul South Approach
Views of the Sea of Marmara and the Prince Islands if landing from the south.
Select the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare while crossing the Arabian Peninsula. This side provides excellent views of the vast desert textures of Iraq and the southern Turkish ridges.
Get eSIMs for Oman
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 3,371 km (2,095 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 58 min
Departure: MCT (23.593299865722656, 58.284400939941406)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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