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OSW destination photo
DME destination photo

OSWDME

Which side of the plane to sit from Orsk Airport (Orsk) to Domodedovo International Airport (Moscow)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Samara Bend on the Volga River and the Zhiguli Mountains, along with a better chance of spotting the Moscow skyline during the final approach into Domodedovo.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Southern Ural Foothills

The tail end of the Ural mountain range, featuring ancient, weathered hills and unique mineral-rich geological formations.

🌲

Zhiguli Mountains

A stunning forested mountain range tucked into the loop of the Volga, offering the most scenic terrain on the route.

🚢

The Samara Bend

A massive 180-degree loop of the Volga River, easily identifiable from cruising altitude near the city of Samara.

🏗️

Togliatti Industrial Hub

Aerial views of the massive automotive manufacturing centers and the Kuibyshev Reservoir's hydroelectric dam.

🏙️

Moscow City Skyline

Depending on the wind-dependent landing pattern at DME, you may see the 'Moscow City' skyscrapers and the Ostankino Tower to the North.

Sit on the right for morning flights to avoid the direct southern sun glare. The Samara Bend is the 'must-see' landmark of this route; it typically appears about 45-60 minutes into the flight. In winter, the frozen Volga provides a striking white contrast against the dark forests of the Zhiguli Mountains.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

Ural River Meanders

Upon departure, observe the winding path of the Ural River, which serves as a geographic border between Europe and Asia.

🌾

Orenburg Steppes

Vast stretches of agricultural land and open steppe that change colors dramatically between the growing season and harvest.

💧

Saratov Reservoir

The southern expanse of the Volga River's reservoir system, appearing as a massive inland sea during mid-flight.

🏡

South Moscow Suburbs

View the sprawling residential developments and dacha communities of the Moscow Oblast during the descent.

Fly in the late afternoon to see the sunset reflecting off the many rivers and reservoirs. If the flight path takes a southerly approach, keep an eye out for the Oka River's complex floodplain. Seasonal snow cover in winter makes the industrial grid patterns of the steppe much more visible.

Top Activities in Moscow
Route Information

Distance: 1,452 km (902 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min

Departure: OSW (51.0724983215332, 58.59560012817383)

Arrival: DME (55.40879821777344, 37.90629959106445)

Route Type: Domestic

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