Passengers on the right side will enjoy panoramic views of the Istanbul city skyline and the Bosphorus bridges as the aircraft climbs away from the Asian side.
The right side is preferred primarily for the spectacular approach into Şanlıurfa, providing an expansive view of the Atatürk Dam and the winding Euphrates River valley.
The left side provides a superior mix of marine scenery, including the Princes' Islands and the Northern Aegean coastline, with potential sightings of Mount Olympus on clear days.
The right side provides a superior vantage point for the massive Keban Dam reservoir and the dramatic winding path of the Euphrates River. It also benefits from better lighting as the sun is typically to the south, illuminating the Anatolian plateau and the approach toward the Lake Van region.
The Right Side offers a spectacular view of the rugged Uludağ mountain massif shortly after departure and provides a more dramatic perspective of the Northern Cypriot coastline and the Kyrenia mountain range during the final descent into Ercan.
The right side offers a superior mix of water features and desert contrasts, including the Turkish Lake District, distant views of the Mediterranean, and the dramatic textures of the Great Nafud Desert.
The left side offers superior views of the vast Russian landscape, including a better angle of the Ural Mountains and the winding Volga River, while avoiding direct sun glare on this northeasterly flight.
The left side wins due to the proximity to the most dramatic sections of the Taurus Mountains and a clear view of the Seyhan Dam during the descent, which is the scenic highlight of this route.
The right side offers a diverse array of inland scenery, including major lakes, the dramatic Bolu mountain ranges, and the winding Kızılırmak River, providing a more textured view of the Anatolian landscape than the sea-focused left side.
The right side provides a more diverse set of landmarks, featuring the Sea of Marmara, the iconic Princes' Islands, and the impressive Osmangazi Bridge shortly after takeoff.
The left side offers a panoramic journey across the Mediterranean's most iconic coastlines, featuring the Princes' Islands, the rugged terrain of Sardinia, and a spectacular entry into Spain over the Balearic Sea.
The right side offers superior views of the majestic Mount Uludağ and the deep blue waters of Lake İznik, providing a more dramatic contrast as the landscape shifts from coastal greenery to the Anatolian steppe.
The right side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the Turkish coastline after departure and the majestic, snow-capped Greater Caucasus Mountains on the southern horizon during the approach.