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RIX → GYD
Which side of the plane to sit from Riga International Airport (Riga) to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (Baku)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the majestic Greater Caucasus Range during the descent, featuring dramatic snowy peaks and the vast northern plains of Azerbaijan.
Baltic Woodlands
Expansive green forests and the sprawling lake districts of Latvia and Lithuania visible shortly after departure.
Greater Caucasus Range
Breathtaking views of the high-altitude peaks separating Russia and Georgia, including the rugged northern slopes.
Kura-Aras Lowland
The transition from mountain foothills to the semi-arid, sun-drenched plains of central Azerbaijan.
Northern Caspian Horizon
The vast, deep blue expanse of the world's largest inland body of water as the plane begins its final approach.
For morning flights, the left side is preferable to avoid direct glare from the southern sun. The highlight of this route is the Greater Caucasus range; keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes before landing. In winter, the contrast between the white mountain peaks and the dark Caspian Sea is particularly striking.
Carpathian Mountains
The sweeping, curved ridges of the Carpathians and the High Tatras visible while transiting through Central European airspace.
Black Sea Coast
Depending on the specific flight path, the rugged northern Turkish coastline or the deep blue waters of the southern Black Sea.
Lesser Caucasus
The rolling green ridges and high plateaus of southern Georgia and western Azerbaijan.
Absheron Peninsula
A clear view of the unique hook-shaped peninsula and the Baku city skyline, including the Flame Towers, during the final descent.
The right side is exceptional for viewing the city of Baku and the Caspian oil rigs if the flight approaches from the west over the Absheron Peninsula. On evening flights, this side provides spectacular sunset views over the Anatolian and Caucasian highlands. Use a polarizing filter to cut through the haze often found over the Caspian coast.
Distance: 2,618 km (1,627 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 29 min
Departure: RIX (56.92359924316406, 23.971099853515625)
Arrival: GYD (40.46749877929688, 50.04669952392578)
Route Type: International
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