The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a coastal departure view of Colombo and a Bosphorus/Marmara approach into Istanbul — while the right side is dominated by featureless ocean and desert for most of the route.
Flown CMB to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombo to Istanbul is 3,912 miles (6,296 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
Southern tip of India, Arabian Sea, Omani coastline, Arabian Peninsula deserts, Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, eastern Mediterranean coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
LEFTDeparting CMB and turning onto the northwest routing toward India, the left side gives a good look back at Colombo's coastline, harbor, and the palm-lined western shore of Sri Lanka before the aircraft climbs out over the Indian Ocean. The right side mostly shows open ocean with no coastal reference.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into IST, arrivals coming from the south/east over the Sea of Marmara often bank toward the northern runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the Bosphorus strait, the Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense urban sprawl before touchdown. The right side typically shows only farmland and reservoirs north of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Istanbul. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a coastal departure view of Colombo and a Bosphorus/Marmara approach into Istanbul — while the right side is dominated by featureless ocean and desert for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CMB and turning onto the northwest routing toward India, the left side gives a good look back at Colombo's coastline, harbor, and the palm-lined western shore of Sri Lanka before the aircraft climbs out over the Indian Ocean. The right side mostly shows open ocean with no coastal reference. Notable sights include: Colombo harbor and skyline, Sri Lanka's west coast beaches, Kelani River mouth, Indian Ocean horizon.
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, arrivals coming from the south/east over the Sea of Marmara often bank toward the northern runways, giving left-side passengers a view of the Bosphorus strait, the Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense urban sprawl before touchdown. The right side typically shows only farmland and reservoirs north of the airport. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul's European-side skyline, Black Sea's southern edge.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Istanbul?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,912 miles (6,296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Southern tip of India, Arabian Sea, Omani coastline, Arabian Peninsula deserts, Red Sea, Sinai Peninsula, eastern Mediterranean coast