NQZ

Best window seat at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offLEFT

Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Ishim River

LandingRIGHT

Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr tent-shaped structure, Ishim River

🛫 Taking Off from Astana (NQZ)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting on runway 04 (northeast heading), the city center of Astana sits just north-northwest of the airport, so it falls into view on the left side shortly after liftoff. You'll get a good look at the Ishim (Esil) River winding through downtown along with the modern skyline before the plane climbs out over the open steppe.
Look forBayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Ishim (Esil) River, Nur-Astana Mosque

🛬 Landing at Astana (NQZ)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the typical runway 22 approach, the aircraft flies in from the northeast on a southwest heading, putting Astana's futuristic skyline—clustered north-northwest of the airport—on the right side of the plane. Passengers get a good look at the Ishim River and the city's distinctive towers before touchdown.
Look forBayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr tent-shaped structure, Ishim (Yesil) River, Astana's government district skyline

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is a modern single-runway airport serving as one of Kazakhstan's two main gateways, with a terminal designed to handle both domestic and growing international traffic.

⛰️ Elevation1,165 ft
🛫 Runways1 (04/22)
✈️ HubAir Astana, SCAT Airlines

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ)?

At Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Ishim (Esil) River, Nur-Astana Mosque.

What can I see during takeoff from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana?

When taking off from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing on runway 04 (northeast heading), the city center of Astana sits just north-northwest of the airport, so it falls into view on the left side shortly after liftoff. You'll get a good look at the Ishim (Esil) River winding through downtown along with the modern skyline before the plane climbs out over the open steppe. Notable sights include: Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Ishim (Esil) River, Nur-Astana Mosque.

What can I see when landing at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana?

When landing at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical runway 22 approach, the aircraft flies in from the northeast on a southwest heading, putting Astana's futuristic skyline—clustered north-northwest of the airport—on the right side of the plane. Passengers get a good look at the Ishim River and the city's distinctive towers before touchdown. Notable sights include: Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr tent-shaped structure, Ishim (Yesil) River, Astana's government district skyline.

What factors affect the best window seat at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport?

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