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VIE → EBL
Which side of the plane to sit from Vienna International Airport (Vienna) to Erbil International Airport (Erbil)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Van and the most dramatic sections of the Zagros Mountains during the descent into the Kurdistan Region.
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Danube River
Aerial view of the river winding through the Vienna Basin shortly after takeoff.
Carpathian Mountains
The southern ridges of this massive range are visible while transiting Romania.
Black Sea Coast
Glances of the western coastline near the Bulgarian and Turkish border regions.
Pontic Mountains
High-altitude views of the forested and often cloud-capped ranges of Northern Turkey.
Lake Van
Turkey's largest lake, famous for its intense blue color and volcanic surroundings.
Zagros Range
Majestic, jagged peaks that define the border between Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
Sit on the left for daytime flights to capture the best light on Lake Van and the Zagros peaks. On the descent into Erbil, the Citadel and the city's expanding circular road system are often visible from this side if the plane approaches from the northwest. Winter flights offer particularly stunning views of snow-capped mountains in Eastern Anatolia.
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Vienna Cityscape
Excellent views of the Austrian capital's architecture depending on the takeoff runway.
Lake Balaton
The long, turquoise 'Hungarian Sea' is visible as the flight heads southeast.
Balkan Highlands
Rugged terrain and deep river valleys crossing through Serbia and Bulgaria.
Anatolian Plateau
The vast, golden-hued high plains of Central Turkey.
Taurus Mountains
The southern Turkish mountain chain featuring dramatic limestone formations.
Tigris River
The ancient waterway winding through the plains of Upper Mesopotamia toward Iraq.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Anatolian Plateau. It offers a broader view of the Mesopotamian plains as you cross from Turkey into Iraq. Watch for the contrast between the arid landscapes and the irrigated green belts along the Tigris River about 30 minutes before landing.
Book Hotels in ErbilDistance: 2,595 km (1,612 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)
Arrival: EBL (36.23759841918945, 43.96319961547852)
Route Type: International
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