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MZH destination photo
IST destination photo

MZHIST

Which side of the plane to sit from Amasya Merzifon Airport (Merzifon) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the Black Sea coastline, the lush Northern Forests, and the strategic northern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait during the approach to Istanbul.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌲

Küre Mountains

Dense, verdant mountain ranges that characterize the Western Black Sea region.

🌊

Black Sea Coastline

Continuous views of the deep blue sea meeting the rugged northern cliffs.

⚓

Zonguldak Port

The industrial maritime activity and coal mining landscapes of the coast.

🌉

Bosphorus North Entrance

The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the opening into the Black Sea.

💧

Terkos Lake

A large coastal lagoon and reservoir located just north of Istanbul Airport.

The right side is the 'scenic side' for this route. Sit here to see the dramatic coastline. During the approach to IST, keep your camera ready for the Bosphorus strait. In winter, the snow-covered Küre Mountains are particularly breathtaking. Late afternoon flights provide a beautiful glint off the Black Sea.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🚜

Merzifon Plain

Expansive agricultural vistas immediately after takeoff from Merzifon.

⛰️

Köroğlu Mountains

Rugged, high-altitude terrain of the Bolu province visible mid-flight.

🌊

Sapanca Lake

A glimpse of this prominent freshwater lake near the city of Sakarya.

🏙️

Istanbul Outskirts

The dense urban expansion of eastern Istanbul and Kocaeli industrial zones.

🌲

Belgrad Forest

The vast green lung of Istanbul visible during the final descent.

The left side is ideal for passengers who enjoy watching the transition from rural Anatolian plateaus to the massive urban sprawl of Istanbul. For the best lighting, choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you. If landing from the south, you might catch a distant glimpse of the Sea of Marmara.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 570 km (354 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 57 min

Departure: MZH (40.829399, 35.521999)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: Domestic

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