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SKP → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Skopje Alexander the Great Airport (Skopje) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning mountain vistas, the right side provides a superior perspective of the Sea of Marmara and the sprawling Istanbul metropolis during the descent into one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.
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Lake Doiran
A beautiful tectonic lake split between North Macedonia and Greece, visible shortly after departure.
Rhodope Mountains
The rolling green ridges of the Southern Balkans stretching toward the Aegean Sea.
Sea of Marmara
Dozens of cargo ships anchored in the sapphire waters waiting for their turn to transit the Bosphorus.
Istanbul Urban Sprawl
A staggering view of the city's western districts and the dense architecture leading toward the historic peninsula.
Atatürk Airport Site
The former primary airport, now partially a public park, visible during the final approach path.
The right side is unbeatable for the approach into Istanbul. During sunset flights, you will see the sun reflecting off the Sea of Marmara. If the plane approaches IST from the south, you might catch a glimpse of the Prince Islands and the mouth of the Bosphorus. Keep your camera ready as soon as the descent begins over Turkish Thrace.
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Osogovo Mountains
Rugged terrain on the border of North Macedonia and Bulgaria featuring deep valleys and dense forests.
Rila & Pirin Ranges
Breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the Balkans located to the north in Bulgaria, often snow-capped.
Edirne Skyline
The historic Turkish city featuring the grand Selimiye Mosque, visible as you cross the border from Bulgaria.
Black Sea Coastline
As the flight nears IST, the northern horizon reveals the deep blue expanse of the Black Sea.
Choose the left side for dramatic mountain landscapes. This side is particularly scenic during morning flights when the sun illuminates the Bulgarian Rila mountains to the north. Avoid seats over the wing (rows 12-20 on most A320/B737s) to ensure an unobstructed view of the Edirne mosques.
Get eSIMs for Macedonia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 597 km (371 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr
Departure: SKP (41.961601, 21.621401)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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