About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lochini (TBS) to Abakan (ABA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tbilisi to Abakan. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Caucasus departure and maintain better views during the long eastbound cruise across the Caucasus foothills and into the Russian interior. The landing view on the left is notable but less visually striking than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Lochini in Tbilisi?
During takeoff from Lochini (TBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tbilisi typically departs eastbound (runways 13L/13R). Right-side seats face north initially, offering views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains rising dramatically beyond the city. Left seats see the flatter Mtkvari River valley and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Greater Caucasus range (snow-capped peaks to the north), Mtkvari River valley (winding through central Tbilisi), Mount Mtatsminda (1,051m, distinctive forested peak on city's west edge), Tbilisi's Old Town district (compact medieval core along river).
What can I see when landing at Abakan in Abakan?
When landing at Abakan (ABA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Abakan typically lands westbound (runway 28). Left-side seats face south during approach, providing views of the Sayan Mountains and the Yenisei River valley. Right seats see the flatter steppe to the north. Notable sights include: Sayan Mountains (southern horizon, eastern extension of the range), Yenisei River (major river flowing north through the valley), Abakan city sprawl (industrial and residential areas), Abakan airport itself (visible as runway grid and taxiways).
How long is the flight from Tbilisi to Abakan?
The flight from Lochini (TBS) to Abakan (ABA) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Tbilisi to Abakan flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Greater Caucasus range (exiting Georgia into Russia), then traverses the North Caucasus foothills and the vast Russian steppe. Notable geographic features include the Caucasus mountain chain (visible for roughly the first 45 minutes of flight), the transition into the Rostov Oblast and Kalmykia regions (flat, semi-arid steppe), and the Sayan Mountains approaching Abakan from the west. The Yenisei River valley becomes visible in the final approach phase. Most of the cruise occurs over sparsely populated steppe with few major cities visible at altitude.