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NJC → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Nizhnevartovsk Airport (Nizhnevartovsk) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this westward route as it minimizes direct sun glare throughout the day and provides better opportunities for viewing the Moscow city skyline during the standard approach patterns into Sheremetyevo.
Samotlor Oil Field
Shortly after departure, you can see the massive infrastructure and unique geometric patterns of Russia's largest oil field.
West Siberian Taiga
An endless expanse of coniferous forest and peat bogs that defines the landscape between Nizhnevartovsk and the Urals.
Northern Urals
A perspective of the more remote, northern section of the Ural range, often snow-capped well into the spring months.
Volga River Crossing
A clear view of Russia's most iconic river as it winds through the heart of the country towards the Moscow region.
Moscow Skyline
On the standard arrival into SVO from the east, the right side often catches a glimpse of the Moscow International Business Center (City) towers.
The right side is ideal for photography as it remains in the shade during daytime westward flights. At night, look out for the orange glows of gas flares in the Siberian oil fields. During the descent into SVO, keep your camera ready for the 'Moscow City' skyscrapers which appear on the horizon during certain approach paths.
Ob River Floodplain
Immediately after takeoff, witness the vast, winding network of the Ob River, one of the world's longest river systems.
Central Ural Mountains
Mid-flight, the plane crosses the Ural range, the traditional boundary between Asia and Europe, offering views of forested peaks.
Perm and Kama River
Visible as you transition into European Russia, the industrial sprawl of Perm sits along the wide Kama River reservoir.
Golden Ring Cities
As you descend, look for the ancient urban layouts and church spires of cities like Yaroslavl and Rostov the Great.
Choose the left side for morning flights if you enjoy the warmth of the sun, but be prepared for glare. This side offers a more direct look at the rugged southern slopes of the Urals. During winter, look for the stark contrast between the frozen river surfaces and the dark taiga forest.
Distance: 2,301 km (1,430 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 4 min
Departure: NJC (60.94929885864258, 76.48359680175781)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: Domestic
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