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UUS → DEE
Which side of the plane to sit from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport (Yuzhno-sakhalinsk) to Mendeleyevo Airport (Yuzhno-Kurilsk)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dramatic volcanic landscape of Kunashir Island, including the world-famous Tyatya Volcano and the Mendeleyev Volcano upon arrival.
Tyatya Volcano
A stunning 'double volcano' (a cone within a cone) and the highest peak on Kunashir Island.
Susunai Mountain Range
The rugged, forested peaks surrounding Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk visible immediately after takeoff.
Mendeleyev Volcano
The active stratovolcano located adjacent to the airport, often seen venting steam from its solfataras.
Kuril Nature Reserve
Pristine, untouched forests of the Kuril archipelago that look like a green carpet from above.
Lake Peschanoye
A picturesque lake located on the narrow isthmus of the island near the Mendeleyevo landing path.
The right side is the undisputed winner for volcanic photography. During the descent into DEE, the plane usually passes very close to the Mendeleyev Volcano. Since fog is extremely common in the Kurils, try to book flights in the late morning or early afternoon when the sun is more likely to burn off the maritime layer.
Cape Aniva Lighthouse
One of the world's most iconic abandoned nuclear-powered lighthouses, visible at the tip of the Sakhalin peninsula.
Sea of Okhotsk
Deep blue waters that often feature shifting ice floes during the winter and early spring months.
Hokkaido Coastline
On clear days, the northern tip of Japan's Hokkaido island is visible across the Nemuro Strait.
Busse Lagoon
A unique coastal ecosystem known for its giant oysters and vibrant shallow-water colors.
Sit on the left if you are an early bird; the morning sun reflects beautifully off the Sea of Okhotsk. Keep your eyes peeled about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for the silhouette of Cape Aniva. Use a polarized filter to cut through the haze and see the distant Japanese mountains more clearly.
Distance: 400 km (249 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: UUS (46.88869857788086, 142.71800231933594)
Arrival: DEE (43.9584007263, 145.682998657)
Route Type: Domestic
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