Loading map...
VKO → NSK
Which side of the plane to sit from Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow) to Norilsk-Alykel Airport (Norilsk)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of Russia's vast geographic diversity, including the Moscow skyline upon departure, the transition from European forests to Siberian Taiga, and the spectacular crossings of the Ob and Yenisey rivers.
Search flights from VKO to NSK
Moscow International Business Center
Excellent views of the 'Moscow City' skyscrapers and the Kremlin if the flight path departs eastward.
The Volga River
Crossing the legendary Volga near Nizhny Novgorod, showcasing the river's massive width and surrounding wetlands.
West Siberian Taiga
An endless carpet of deep green coniferous forest stretching to the horizon as you cross central Russia.
The Ob River Basin
A spectacular view of one of the world's longest rivers, often featuring intricate braided channels and floodplains.
The Mighty Yenisey
A breathtaking view of the powerful Yenisey River just before the aircraft turns for its final approach to Alykel.
The right side is ideal for daytime flights to capture the scale of Russia's river systems. Watch for the Ob River approximately 2.5 to 3 hours into the flight. For the best view of Moscow's skyline, pray for a departure from VKO's runway 06 or 01. During the final 20 minutes of the flight, the terrain transitions sharply into the rugged foothills of the Putorana Plateau, which is best viewed from this side.
Book Hotels in Norilsk
Northern Moscow Outskirts
Bird's-eye view of the sprawling northern districts and the Klyazma Reservoir shortly after takeoff.
Arctic Ural Mountains
Aerial perspective of the northernmost peaks of the Ural range, marking the boundary between Europe and Asia.
Yamal Peninsula Fringes
Distal views of the frozen tundra and the complex network of thermokarst lakes unique to the high Arctic.
Aurora Borealis
The premier side for viewing the Northern Lights during the long winter nights of the Arctic flight path.
Norilsk Industrial Landscape
The dramatic and stark industrial architecture of the Norilsk nickel plants visible during the final descent.
Choose the left side for night flights between October and March to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis, as you will be looking toward the magnetic north. During the summer 'White Nights,' this side provides a constant view of the golden horizon. Keep your window shade down during the bright early morning hours to avoid the intense glare of the northern sun.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for RussiaDistance: 2,874 km (1,786 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 50 min
Departure: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
Arrival: NSK (69.31109619140625, 87.33219909667969)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.