About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Jakarta to Istanbul. While the right side wins at takeoff for Jakarta Bay views, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff at landing with the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's historic skyline. En route, the left side also captures the Arabian Sea coastline, parts of the Persian Gulf region, and the Anatolian plateau on approach, making it the stronger choice across the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Soekarno Hatta International in Jakarta?
During takeoff from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK), sit on the Right side for the best views. CGK's runways are oriented roughly east-west. Departing westward or northwestward, the right (north) side gives views over Jakarta Bay and the Java Sea, with the city's coastal sprawl visible. Departing eastward, the right side still captures the bay and offshore islands of the Thousand Islands archipelago stretching northward. Notable sights include: Jakarta Bay coastline, Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) chain extending north into the Java Sea, Jakarta's urban grid and port district, Java Sea open water.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ataturk Airport's main runways are oriented roughly east-west (06/24 and 05/23). On a typical westbound approach from the east, the left (south) side offers views over the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic Istanbul peninsula with its dense skyline. The right side faces inland toward the relatively featureless Thrace plain. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, historic Istanbul peninsula (Sultanahmet district visible as dense urban mass), Prince's Islands in the Marmara.
How long is the flight from Jakarta to Istanbul?
The flight from Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Jakarta to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Java across the Indian Ocean, crossing the southern tip of India or Sri Lanka, then over the Arabian Sea toward the Indian subcontinent. It continues over Pakistan, Afghanistan or Iran depending on routing, crosses the Iranian plateau and the Zagros Mountains, passes over Turkey's Anatolian plateau with its dry brown highlands and salt lakes such as Tuz Golu, before descending toward Istanbul and the Marmara coast.