Beirut to Istanbul flight pathBEYIST

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

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

Flight time1h 50m
Distance634
Heading326° → 322°
Best side
Right
★ 2.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side offers the more consistently interesting view: Mount Lebanon at departure, glimpses of the Turkish Taurus foothills and Anatolian terrain during cruise, and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival, compared to the largely featureless Mediterranean seen from the left.

Takeoff · BEYRIGHTMount Lebanon range, Beirut coastline and harbor, Mediterranean Sea to the west
Landing · ISTRIGHTBosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul city skyline

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Eastern Mediterranean Sea west of Cyprus, transitioning to the southern Turkish coastline and foothills of the Taurus Mountains before the route continues north over the Anatolian plateau toward Istanbul

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from BEY

RIGHT

Departing BEY, right-side passengers get a dramatic view of the Mount Lebanon range rising steeply right behind the coastal city, while the left side only shows open Mediterranean water.

Mount Lebanon rangeBeirut coastline and harborMediterranean Sea to the west
Aerial window seat view during landing at Istanbul (right side) — Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands

Landing at IST

RIGHT

On approach into IST from the south, the right side faces east toward the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's sprawling skyline along the Sea of Marmara, while the left side faces mostly rural Thracian farmland.

Bosphorus straitSea of Marmara coastlineIstanbul city skylinePrinces' Islands

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Beirut International (BEY) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beirut to Istanbul. The right side offers the more consistently interesting view: Mount Lebanon at departure, glimpses of the Turkish Taurus foothills and Anatolian terrain during cruise, and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline on arrival, compared to the largely featureless Mediterranean seen from the left.

What can I see during takeoff from Beirut International in Beirut?

During takeoff from Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BEY, right-side passengers get a dramatic view of the Mount Lebanon range rising steeply right behind the coastal city, while the left side only shows open Mediterranean water. Notable sights include: Mount Lebanon range, Beirut coastline and harbor, Mediterranean Sea to the west.

What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?

When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into IST from the south, the right side faces east toward the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's sprawling skyline along the Sea of Marmara, while the left side faces mostly rural Thracian farmland. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands.

How long is the flight from Beirut to Istanbul?

The flight from Beirut International (BEY) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 1h 50m.

What does the Beirut to Istanbul flight path pass over?

Eastern Mediterranean Sea west of Cyprus, transitioning to the southern Turkish coastline and foothills of the Taurus Mountains before the route continues north over the Anatolian plateau toward Istanbul