Loading map...
OSS β IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Osh Airport (Osh) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is the clear winner for this route, offering a front-row seat to the towering Greater Caucasus range and the dramatic peaks of the Tien Shan shortly after takeoff.
Tien Shan Mountains
Spectacular views of the 'Celestial Mountains' and the Fergana Valley as you climb out of Kyrgyzstan.
Kyzylkum Desert
The red-sand desert of Uzbekistan, showing intricate wind-blown patterns and isolated oasis settlements.
Caspian Sea Crossing
A long stretch of turquoise and deep blue water as you transition from Central Asia to the Caucasus.
Greater Caucasus Range
Unrivaled views of the high Caucasus peaks, including Mount Elbrus, if the flight path tracks through Georgia.
Black Sea Coastline
A beautiful view of the meeting point between the dark waters of the Black Sea and the rugged Turkish shore.
Third Bosphorus Bridge
On approach to IST, you can often see the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the northern entrance to the Bosphorus.
The right side offers the most consistent mountain scenery. For westward flights, this side also stays in the shade during the afternoon, reducing glare and heat for better photography of the Greater Caucasus. Keep an eye out for the distinct line where the desert meets the Caspian Sea.
Alay Mountains
Dramatic views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks bordering Tajikistan immediately after departure from Osh.
Ancient Silk Road Path
Aerial views of the fertile Zarafshan Valley and the historic landscapes surrounding Samarkand and Bukhara.
Karakum Desert
The vast, golden-black expanse of the Turkmenistan desert, featuring unique geological ripples and salt flats.
Baku Peninsula
The Absheron Peninsula and the city of Baku extending into the Caspian Sea, often visible on the southern corridor.
Pontic Mountains
Lush, green forested ridges of the KaΓ§kar Mountains in northeastern Turkey meeting the clouds.
The left side is best for morning flights to catch the sunrise lighting up the Alay range. It is also the side to choose if you want a chance to see the urban layout of Baku and the southern Bosphorus bridges if the pilot approaches Istanbul from the Sea of Marmara.
Distance: 3,660 km (2,274 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 18 min
Departure: OSS (40.6090011597, 72.793296814)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.