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RUH → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more scenic journey, featuring the transition from the golden sands of the Nafud desert to the azure Mediterranean coastline and a stunning aerial view of Istanbul's European historic district.
Search flights from RUH to IST
Great Nafud Desert
Expansive vistas of northern Saudi Arabia's rolling red dunes and unique geological formations.
Gulf of Aqaba
Deep blue waters contrasting sharply with the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Sinai Peninsula.
Levantine Coastline
Clear views of the Mediterranean shoreline, including major coastal cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Western Taurus Peaks
The dramatic rise of the Turkish mountains as the flight crosses from sea to land.
Istanbul Historic Peninsula
Bird's-eye views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Golden Horn during the final approach.
For morning flights, the left side avoids direct sunlight, providing better conditions for photography. Aim for a seat in front of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the coastline. During the descent into IST, the left side often captures the best views of the city's European landmarks if landing from the south.
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Dead Sea Basin
The sparkling salt-encrusted shores of the lowest point on earth visible in the distance.
Jordanian Highlands
The rocky and historic landscapes of southern Jordan near the Petra region.
Anatolian Plateau
Vast stretches of central Turkey, often covered in snow during winter months.
Lake Egirdir
A large, vibrant turquoise lake nestled within the mountains of southwestern Turkey.
The Bosphorus
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, particularly visible if the flight patterns loop east.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to enjoy the warm glow of the setting sun over the Anatolian mountains. Watch for the Dead Sea shortly after crossing the Saudi-Jordanian border. If the wind requires a northern approach to Istanbul Airport, this side offers the best look at the Asian side of the city and the Black Sea entrance.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 2,457 km (1,527 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 17 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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