ALA

Best window seat at Almaty

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty cityscape, Ile-Alatau National Park foothills

LandingLEFT

Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty city grid, Big Almaty Lake area foothills

🛫 Taking Off from Almaty (ALA)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 05R (heading northeast), the Trans-Ili Alatau range of the Tian Shan mountains sits to the south, which places it on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out. You'll get a strong view of the snow-capped peaks and the city of Almaty spread out at their base before the plane turns onto its route.
Look forTrans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty cityscape, Ile-Alatau National Park foothills, Kapchagay reservoir area in the distance

🛬 Landing at Almaty (ALA)

Best sideLeft
WhyOn approach to runway 23L, you're flying from the northeast down toward the southwest, and the Trans-Ili Alatau range (northern Tian Shan) sits just south of Almaty city — putting those snow-capped peaks on the left side of the aircraft as you descend. The city grid and foothills unfold below on that side too, making for a dramatic final approach view.
Look forTrans-Ili Alatau mountain range (Tian Shan foothills), Almaty city grid, Big Almaty Lake area foothills, Kapchagay reservoir visible further north on departure/climb side

Almaty International Airport is Kazakhstan's busiest airport, featuring two parallel runways capable of handling long-haul widebody aircraft. It serves as the main hub for domestic and international connections across Central Asia.

⛰️ Elevation2,234 ft
🛫 Runways2 (05L/23R, 05R/23L)
✈️ HubAir Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan
📍 NearbyIKU 56 miIKG 91 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Almaty (ALA)?

At Almaty in Almaty: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty cityscape, Ile-Alatau National Park foothills, Kapchagay reservoir area in the distance.

What can I see during takeoff from Almaty in Almaty?

When taking off from Almaty (ALA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 05R (heading northeast), the Trans-Ili Alatau range of the Tian Shan mountains sits to the south, which places it on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out. You'll get a strong view of the snow-capped peaks and the city of Almaty spread out at their base before the plane turns onto its route. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty cityscape, Ile-Alatau National Park foothills, Kapchagay reservoir area in the distance.

What can I see when landing at Almaty in Almaty?

When landing at Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to runway 23L, you're flying from the northeast down toward the southwest, and the Trans-Ili Alatau range (northern Tian Shan) sits just south of Almaty city — putting those snow-capped peaks on the left side of the aircraft as you descend. The city grid and foothills unfold below on that side too, making for a dramatic final approach view. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range (Tian Shan foothills), Almaty city grid, Big Almaty Lake area foothills, Kapchagay reservoir visible further north on departure/climb side.

What factors affect the best window seat at Almaty?

The best window seat at Almaty (ALA) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Almaty (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.