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NDJ destination photo
IST destination photo

NDJIST

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic transition from the Saharan rock formations to the turquoise Turkish coastline and the iconic Bosphorus Strait.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

Ennedi Massif

Incredible sandstone arches and canyons located in the remote northeastern corner of Chad.

🚰

Kufra Irrigation

Distinctive green circular crop patterns created by center-pivot irrigation in the middle of the Libyan desert.

🏖️

Turkish Riviera

The stunning Turquoise Coast where the Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean near Dalaman.

🏔️

Taurus Mountains

Stunning snow-capped peaks that run parallel to the southern Turkish coast.

🌉

Bosphorus Strait

The world-famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia, usually visible during the northern approach.

The right side is ideal for capturing the unique circular farm patterns in Libya and the dramatic entry into Turkish airspace. On night flights, sit on the right to see the brightly lit Bosphorus bridges and the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul's Asian side as you land.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

Lake Chad

Visible shortly after takeoff from N'Djamena, offering a view of the vast but shrinking freshwater basin.

🏔️

Tibesti Mountains

Dramatic volcanic peaks and dark rock formations rising from the central Sahara desert.

🏝️

Crete

The largest Greek island, showcasing rugged mountain ranges and a jagged Mediterranean coastline.

⛵

The Cyclades

Clusters of small, picturesque Greek islands dotting the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

🕌

Historical Peninsula

A view of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque as the plane aligns for its final descent into Istanbul.

Choose the left side for the best chance to see the remnants of Lake Chad early in the flight. During the descent into IST, this side often provides a stunning perspective of the historical European side of the city, especially if the flight approach path comes from the south over the Sea of Marmara.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 3,505 km (2,178 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 7 min

Departure: NDJ (12.1337, 15.034)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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