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SAW → FRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Manas International Airport (Bishkek)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Tian Shan mountain range during the approach to Bishkek, along with iconic views of Istanbul's historic center and the Anatolian plateau.
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Istanbul Historical Peninsula
Panoramic views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Golden Horn.
Mount Erciyes
Distant views of the massive dormant volcano rising from the Central Anatolian plateau.
Baku & Absheron Peninsula
The modern skyline of Azerbaijan's capital and offshore oil rigs in the Caspian.
Amu Darya River
The winding green lifeline of the desert visible as a thin ribbon of vegetation.
Tian Shan Mountains
The breathtaking Ala-Too range rising abruptly south of Bishkek during the final descent.
This side is unbeatable for the descent into Manas Airport, as the Ala-Too mountains run parallel to the flight path. For night flights, look for the clusters of lights from the illuminated oil platforms in the Caspian Sea near Baku. Choose a seat away from the wing for the best mountain photography.
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The Bosporus Strait
A clear view of the water crossing between Europe and Asia immediately after takeoff.
Black Sea Coastline
The rugged, green northern coast of Turkey and the Pontic Mountains.
Greater Caucasus Range
Snow-capped peaks including potential views of Mount Elbrus in the distance.
Caspian Sea Basin
The transition from the deep blue sea to the vast Kazakh and Turkmen steppes.
Kyzylkum Desert
Intricate sand patterns and arid landscapes of Central Asia.
Sit on the left for views of the Black Sea and the northern Caucasus peaks. If the flight path takes a more northerly route, you may spot the remnants of the Aral Sea. Morning flights provide soft, flattering lighting over the desert landscapes.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for KyrgyzstanDistance: 3,696 km (2,297 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 21 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: FRU (43.0612983704, 74.4776000977)
Route Type: International
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