About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mohammed V (CMN) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Casablanca to Istanbul. While takeoff offers coastal views, the landing approach into Istanbul provides superior scenery: the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and the city's iconic waterway geography are far more visually distinctive than Casablanca's departure. Left seats capture this dramatic finale.
What can I see during takeoff from Mohammed V in Casablanca?
During takeoff from Mohammed V (CMN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Casablanca waterfront during initial climb. The aircraft departs eastbound, so right seats face north toward the Moroccan coast and the Strait of Gibraltar approach corridor. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean coastline, Casablanca harbor and port facilities, Anti-Atlas Mountains (distant southeast), Strait of Gibraltar approach zone.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Bosphorus, the European side of Istanbul, and the approach over the Sea of Marmara during descent. The aircraft approaches from the west-southwest, making left seats ideal for seeing the city's waterways and urban geography. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, European Istanbul skyline and Golden Horn, Anatolian side across the strait.
How long is the flight from Casablanca to Istanbul?
The flight from Mohammed V (CMN) to Ataturk (IST) takes 4h 45m.
What does the Casablanca to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mediterranean Sea for approximately 2.5 hours, passing south of mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. The Aegean Sea and Greek islands (including Crete at the southern route boundary) may be visible depending on exact flight path. The aircraft then crosses into Turkish airspace over the Aegean, with the Turkish coast and inland Anatolian plateau visible before descent into Istanbul. No major mountain ranges are directly on the standard flight corridor, though the Atlas Mountains fade behind during early climb and the Taurus Mountains remain distant to the south during cruise.