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SCO → TSE
Which side of the plane to sit from Aktau Airport (Aktau) to Astana International Airport (Tselinograd)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the receding Caspian coastline and the dramatic northern escarpments of the Ustyurt Plateau, especially when the sun is positioned in the south.
Caspian Sea Horizon
Dramatic views of the turquoise Caspian Sea as the aircraft climbs away from the Aktau coastline.
Northern Ustyurt Cliffs
Sharp, white chalky escarpments and steep canyons that define the northern edge of the desert plateau.
Bolshiye Barsuki Sands
Golden sand dune patterns of the northern desert regions visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Turgay River Basin
Ancient meandering river beds and seasonal wetlands that cut through the dry steppe landscape.
For afternoon flights, the left side is shaded, providing better visibility of the white chalk cliffs without glare. Look out early for the stark contrast between the blue sea and the yellow desert soil.
Mangystau Rock Formations
Unique geological structures including dome-shaped hills and deep canyons visible shortly after takeoff.
Sor Tuzbair
Expansive white salt pans and crystalline flats that reflect sunlight brilliantly from high altitudes.
The Great Steppe
The quintessential, endless grasslands of Central Asia stretching toward the southern horizon.
Astana Skyline
As you descend into TSE, enjoy views of the Ishim River and the modern architectural silhouettes of the capital.
Select the right side for early morning departures to catch the sunrise over the vast Kazakh Steppe. Keep your camera ready about 15 minutes after takeoff for the most intense salt pan reflections.
Distance: 1,719 km (1,068 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 18 min
Departure: SCO (43.8601, 51.091999)
Arrival: TSE (51.02220153808594, 71.46690368652344)
Route Type: Domestic
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