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SJJ โ IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Sarajevo International Airport (Sarajevo) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a dramatic panorama of the high Balkan mountain ranges and a statistically superior view of the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus during the landing approach.
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Bjelaลกnica Range
Rugged karst limestone peaks and the site of the 1984 Winter Olympics located south of Sarajevo.
Rila and Pirin Mountains
Stunning views of the highest peaks in the Balkans, including the majestic Musala and the Seven Rila Lakes area.
Sea of Marmara
A bird's eye view of one of the world's busiest shipping lanes filled with tankers and cargo ships.
Istanbul Skyline
A panoramic view of the historic peninsula, the Bosphorus bridges, and the transition from Europe to Asia.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing two continents, often visible during the final descent into IST.
The right side is the clear winner for scenery. Sit here for the best afternoon lighting when flying southeast. During the descent into Istanbul, keep your camera ready for the Bosphorus; the pilot often circles over the Sea of Marmara, providing a perfect angle of the city's historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
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Sarajevo Valley
An immediate view of the dense urban sprawl of Sarajevo tucked into the surrounding mountains after takeoff.
Drina River
The winding emerald-green river that serves as the historic border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia.
Central Balkan Range
Vast views of the rolling highlands and peaks of central Serbia and northern Bulgaria.
Black Sea Coast
If the aircraft approaches Istanbul from the north, you get a clear view of the dark blue waters and the northern Turkish coastline.
Choose the left side for better views of the Bosnian capital immediately after takeoff. This side is ideal for morning flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, preventing glare while photographing the Serbian highlands and the Black Sea entry.
Get eSIMs for Bosnia and Herzegovina
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 899 km (559 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 30 min
Departure: SJJ (43.82460021972656, 18.331499099731445)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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