The left side captures the Abu Dhabi coastline on departure and, more importantly, the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's urban sprawl on arrival, while the right side mostly faces the featureless interior plains of Iraq and central Anatolia.
Flown AUH to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Abu Dhabi to Istanbul is 1,889 miles (3,040 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
The route crosses the Arabian Desert of Saudi Arabia, the Euphrates River valley in Iraq, and the edge of the Anatolian plateau in central Turkey before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUH
LEFTDeparting AUH toward the northwest, the initial turn keeps Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Corniche, and the man-made islands of Saadiyat and Yas visible on the left before the aircraft heads out over the Gulf coastline and into the Arabian desert.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into IST from the southeast, the aircraft typically tracks up over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the northerly runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the Marmara coastline, scattered islands, and the western edges of Istanbul's sprawling cityscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul. The left side captures the Abu Dhabi coastline on departure and, more importantly, the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's urban sprawl on arrival, while the right side mostly faces the featureless interior plains of Iraq and central Anatolia.
What can I see during takeoff from Abu Dhabi International in Abu Dhabi?
During takeoff from Abu Dhabi International (AUH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing AUH toward the northwest, the initial turn keeps Abu Dhabi's skyline, the Corniche, and the man-made islands of Saadiyat and Yas visible on the left before the aircraft heads out over the Gulf coastline and into the Arabian desert. Notable sights include: Abu Dhabi skyline, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Persian Gulf coastline.
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 into IST from the southeast, the aircraft typically tracks up over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the northerly runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the Marmara coastline, scattered islands, and the western edges of Istanbul's sprawling cityscape. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul cityscape, Bosphorus strait entrance.
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul?
The flight from Abu Dhabi International (AUH) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,889 miles (3,040 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Abu Dhabi to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Arabian Desert of Saudi Arabia, the Euphrates River valley in Iraq, and the edge of the Anatolian plateau in central Turkey before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.