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NAV → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (Nevsehir) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the striking Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) and provides a much better perspective of the Istanbul cityscape, the Bosphorus, and the Marmara Sea during the standard approach to IST.
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Cappadocia Valleys
Aerial view of the unique fairy chimneys and volcanic tuff formations of Göreme and Uçhisar shortly after takeoff.
Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake)
The massive, bright white expanse of Turkey's second-largest lake, known for its pink hues depending on the season.
Istanbul City Center
As the plane descends, enjoy views of the historical peninsula, the Golden Horn, and the sprawling metropolitan landscape.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, often visible during the western approach into Istanbul Airport.
Sea of Marmara
Views of the coastal boundaries and the Princes' Islands in the distance before the final turn north.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Salt Lake during the first half of the flight. For the descent, morning flights provide the best lighting over the city, while sunset flights offer a stunning golden glow over the Marmara Sea. Request a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze.
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Mount Erciyes
The towering snow-capped stratovolcano near Kayseri may be visible behind the wing shortly after departure.
Köroğlu Mountains
Dense forest cover and rugged ridges of the Bolu province as the flight crosses the North Anatolian fault zone.
Sakarya River Basin
The winding Sakarya river and the fertile green agricultural plains of the northwest Anatolian region.
Black Sea Coast
The dramatic meeting of the dark blue Black Sea and the northern coastline of Istanbul as the plane aligns with the runway.
Belgrad Forest
Large swathes of protected green forest area surrounding the Istanbul Airport complex.
The right side is ideal for seeing the lush, mountainous terrain of the Bolu and Sakarya regions. If the flight approaches IST from the north/east, this side offers a direct look at the Black Sea shoreline. Choose a seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the Anatolian mountain ranges.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 565 km (351 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 57 min
Departure: NAV (38.7719, 34.5345)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: Domestic
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