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TIA → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Tirana International Airport Mother Teresa (Tirana) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the deep blue UNESCO-listed Lake Ohrid and a more scenic approach into Istanbul over the Sea of Marmara.
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Lake Ohrid
A stunning aerial view of one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes on the border of Albania and North Macedonia.
Rhodope Mountains
Expansive views of the forested and ancient mountain range in southern Bulgaria.
Sea of Marmara
Vast numbers of cargo ships anchored and waiting to transit the Bosporus Strait.
Istanbul Skyline
Depending on the wind, views of the historic peninsula, the Blue Mosque, and the Golden Horn during descent.
The right side is highly recommended for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset reflecting off the Marmara Sea. It offers the best perspective of Lake Ohrid early in the flight. During the landing phase at IST, this side frequently provides views of the city's iconic bridges and the historic Sultanahmet district.
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Albanian Alps
Dramatic, jagged limestone peaks of the Prokletije range visible shortly after takeoff from Tirana.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged central spine of Bulgaria stretching across the horizon to the north.
Sofia Basin
Distances views of the Bulgarian capital nestled between the Balkan and Vitosha mountains.
Black Sea Coastline
As the plane nears Istanbul, the vast expanse of the Black Sea appears to the north.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and to get clear views of the northern mountain ranges. If the flight approaches IST from the north, this side provides an excellent perspective of the airport's massive infrastructure against the Black Sea coast.
Get eSIMs for Albania
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 754 km (469 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 15 min
Departure: TIA (41.4146995544, 19.7206001282)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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