The left side delivers the flight's two standout moments—Mount Erciyes looming at takeoff and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline at landing—while the right side mostly faces the flat, featureless Anatolian plateau and Black Sea approach with little to distinguish it.
Flown ASR to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kayseri to Istanbul is 397 miles (639 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Central Anatolian plateau, with the turquoise expanse of Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) visible to the south of the flight path partway through cruise
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASR
LEFTDeparting Kayseri, the route typically uses the runway aligned toward Istanbul, so the initial climb keeps Mount Erciyes—a massive 3,900m dormant volcano just south of the airport—in view on the left. It's a rare, dramatic natural landmark for such a short regional flight.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the east, arrivals commonly swing over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus before turning onto final, putting the historic peninsula, the strait, and the city's dense skyline on the left side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Erkilet (ASR) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kayseri to Istanbul. The left side delivers the flight's two standout moments—Mount Erciyes looming at takeoff and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline at landing—while the right side mostly faces the flat, featureless Anatolian plateau and Black Sea approach with little to distinguish it.
What can I see during takeoff from Erkilet in Kayseri?
During takeoff from Erkilet (ASR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Kayseri, the route typically uses the runway aligned toward Istanbul, so the initial climb keeps Mount Erciyes—a massive 3,900m dormant volcano just south of the airport—in view on the left. It's a rare, dramatic natural landmark for such a short regional flight. Notable sights include: Mount Erciyes volcano, Kayseri city grid, Anatolian plateau farmland.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul Airport from the east, arrivals commonly swing over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus before turning onto final, putting the historic peninsula, the strait, and the city's dense skyline on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline.
How long is the flight from Kayseri to Istanbul?
The flight from Erkilet (ASR) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 397 miles (639 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kayseri to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Central Anatolian plateau, with the turquoise expanse of Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) visible to the south of the flight path partway through cruise