The right side wins for the full journey: Istanbul's skyline at departure, glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and southern Caspian coast during cruise, and the dramatic Tian Shan mountain wall on arrival into Almaty. The left side stays over flat Anatolian and Kazakh terrain with little visual interest throughout.
Flown IST to ALA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Almaty is 2,438 miles (3,923 km), a flight of about 5 hours 5 minutes.
Caucasus mountain foothills near Georgia/Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea crossing, and the vast steppe of western Kazakhstan
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST to the east, the right side offers views back over the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline as the aircraft climbs, followed by the rolling hills of northwestern Anatolia. The left side mostly shows flat Thracian farmland with little definition.
Landing at ALA
RIGHTOn approach into Almaty, the aircraft typically turns to align with the runway after crossing the flat Kazakh steppe, bringing the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau range (part of the Tian Shan) into view on the right side just south of the city. The left side shows only the featureless steppe stretching north.
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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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to Almaty (ALA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Almaty. The right side wins for the full journey: Istanbul's skyline at departure, glimpses of the Caucasus foothills and southern Caspian coast during cruise, and the dramatic Tian Shan mountain wall on arrival into Almaty. The left side stays over flat Anatolian and Kazakh terrain with little visual interest throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST to the east, the right side offers views back over the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline as the aircraft climbs, followed by the rolling hills of northwestern Anatolia. The left side mostly shows flat Thracian farmland with little definition. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul city skyline, Sea of Marmara, Anatolian hills.
What can I see when landing at Almaty in Almaty?
When landing at Almaty (ALA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Almaty, the aircraft typically turns to align with the runway after crossing the flat Kazakh steppe, bringing the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau range (part of the Tian Shan) into view on the right side just south of the city. The left side shows only the featureless steppe stretching north. Notable sights include: Zailiysky Alatau range, Tian Shan foothills, Almaty city grid, steppe plains.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Almaty?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Almaty (ALA) takes about 5 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,438 miles (3,923 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Almaty flight path pass over?
Caucasus mountain foothills near Georgia/Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea crossing, and the vast steppe of western Kazakhstan