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NSK → LED
Which side of the plane to sit from Norilsk-Alykel Airport (Norilsk) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic views of the major Siberian river systems and a superior perspective of St. Petersburg's historic center on most arrival patterns.
Yenisei River
Witness the immense scale of one of the world's longest rivers shortly after departing Norilsk.
Ural Mountains
Aerial crossing of the northern spine dividing the European and Asian continents.
Lake Onega
Pass over the world's second-largest lake in Europe, known for its clear waters and many islands.
Taiga Forests
Vast stretches of untouched coniferous forest stretching across the Arkhangelsk region.
St. Petersburg Skyline
Views of the Neva River, the Hermitage, and the Peter and Paul Fortress during the final approach.
Choose the left side for optimal lighting during westbound flights, avoiding harsh glare. During winter months, this side offers the best darkness for potential Aurora Borealis sightings over the northern Urals. Watch for the city's gold domes during the landing sequence as the plane descends over the Neva.
Arctic Shoreline
Distant glimpses of the Kara Sea and the northern edges of the Yamal Peninsula.
Yamal Tundra
A mosaic of thousands of thermokarst lakes and winding rivers across the permafrost.
White Sea
Occasional views of the distant northern sea as you transition into European Russia.
Lake Ladoga
Unrivaled views of the massive lake, including the Valaam Archipelago if visibility is high.
Northern Suburbs
A look at the newer districts of St. Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland in the distance.
The right side is spectacular during the 'White Nights' of early summer as the sun stays near the horizon. It offers the best view of the massive Lake Ladoga just minutes before landing. For photography, use a high shutter speed to capture the intricate lake patterns of the Yamal tundra.
Distance: 2,797 km (1,738 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min
Departure: NSK (69.31109619140625, 87.33219909667969)
Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Route Type: Domestic
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