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UUS → EKS
Which side of the plane to sit from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport (Yuzhno-sakhalinsk) to Shakhtyorsk Airport (Shakhtyorsk)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft provides a stunning perspective of the Sakhalin coastline along the Tatar Strait, offering a blend of rugged maritime scenery and industrial coastal infrastructure.
Tatar Strait Panorama
Expansive views of the body of water separating Sakhalin Island from the Russian mainland.
Western Coastline
A continuous sequence of rocky cliffs and narrow sandy beaches that define the island's western edge.
Industrial Hubs
Bird's-eye views of the coal-loading facilities and maritime ports near Kholmsk and Ugleogorsk.
Lamanon Volcanic Massif
Distinctive geological formations of extinct volcanoes visible as the flight approaches Shakhtyorsk.
Book a window seat on the left for afternoon flights to witness the sun reflecting off the Sea of Japan. This side is particularly dramatic during late winter when sea ice can be seen drifting in the Tatar Strait. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight for coastal descent views.
Susunaysky Range
Dramatic mountain peaks surrounding the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk valley immediately visible after takeoff.
Pristine Taiga
An endless expanse of dense larch and fir forests covering the mountainous interior of the island.
Central Mountain Spines
The jagged ridges of the West Sakhalin Mountains that form the island's structural backbone.
Tym-Poronaysk Lowlands
Distant views of the flat, marshy basins that separate the eastern and western mountain ranges.
The right side is ideal for morning flights, as the rising sun illuminates the mountain ridges and highlights the deep green of the taiga. It offers a more 'wilderness' feel compared to the coastal left side. Look for the sharp contrast between the urban sprawl of UUS and the immediate transition into wild terrain.
Distance: 260 km (162 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: UUS (46.88869857788086, 142.71800231933594)
Arrival: EKS (49.1903, 142.082993)
Route Type: Domestic
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