The landing approach offers more sustained and dramatic mountain scenery as the aircraft descends toward Tbilisi, with the Greater Caucasus providing a striking visual climax. The takeoff view is excellent but briefer; the landing view dominates the final 30 minutes of flight.
Flown ALA to TBS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Almaty to Tbilisi is 1,628 miles (2,621 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Lake Balkhash (northern Kazakhstan, visible 45 minutes into flight on left side at altitude), Ustyurt Plateau (central Kazakhstan, subtle elevation changes), Caspian Sea eastern shore (visible as distant water body around midpoint), Caucasus foothills (increasingly prominent in final hour), Kura River valley (visible in descent phase, feeds into Mtkvari system)
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ALA
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range rising directly south of Almaty. The snow-capped peaks and dramatic escarpment are striking during climb-out and visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight.
Landing at TBS
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Caucasus Mountains during descent into Tbilisi, particularly the Greater Caucasus range. The approach path from the northeast brings these peaks into clear view on the right side as the aircraft descends toward Lochini.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Almaty (ALA) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Almaty to Tbilisi. The landing approach offers more sustained and dramatic mountain scenery as the aircraft descends toward Tbilisi, with the Greater Caucasus providing a striking visual climax. The takeoff view is excellent but briefer; the landing view dominates the final 30 minutes of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Almaty in Almaty?
During takeoff from Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range rising directly south of Almaty. The snow-capped peaks and dramatic escarpment are striking during climb-out and visible for the first 15-20 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Trans-Ili Alatau (snow-capped peaks), Almaty city grid below, Lake Balkhash (distant, northeastern horizon), Turgen Gorge foothills.
What can I see when landing at Tbilisi International Airport in Tbilisi?
When landing at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Caucasus Mountains during descent into Tbilisi, particularly the Greater Caucasus range. The approach path from the northeast brings these peaks into clear view on the right side as the aircraft descends toward Lochini. Notable sights include: Greater Caucasus range (snow-capped peaks), Mtkvari River valley, Tbilisi city sprawl, Saguramo Monastery ridge.
How long is the flight from Almaty to Tbilisi?
The flight from Almaty (ALA) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,628 miles (2,621 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Almaty to Tbilisi flight path pass over?
Lake Balkhash (northern Kazakhstan, visible 45 minutes into flight on left side at altitude), Ustyurt Plateau (central Kazakhstan, subtle elevation changes), Caspian Sea eastern shore (visible as distant water body around midpoint), Caucasus foothills (increasingly prominent in final hour), Kura River valley (visible in descent phase, feeds into Mtkvari system)