While the Cape Town departure favors the left side, the long cruise phase over Africa's interior offers more visual variety on the right, culminating in the dramatic Bosphorus and Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul, giving the right side the edge for the full journey.
Flight Path
Zambian plateau and edge of the Congo basin, the vast Sahara desert of Sudan and Libya, the Nile valley near the Sudanese-Egyptian border, and the Mediterranean Sea crossing toward the Turkish coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
LEFTDeparting CPT on runway 01 the aircraft climbs north with Table Mountain, the city bowl and the Atlantic coastline receding on the left side, giving a classic Cape Town panorama before the route turns inland over the continent.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the south, the aircraft crosses the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn and Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline on the right side of the cabin during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Istanbul. While the Cape Town departure favors the left side, the long cruise phase over Africa's interior offers more visual variety on the right, culminating in the dramatic Bosphorus and Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul, giving the right side the edge for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CPT on runway 01 the aircraft climbs north with Table Mountain, the city bowl and the Atlantic coastline receding on the left side, giving a classic Cape Town panorama before the route turns inland over the continent. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Cape Town city bowl, Robben Island, Atlantic coastline.
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 Istanbul Airport from the south, the aircraft crosses the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn and Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline on the right side of the cabin during descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, historic Istanbul peninsula, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Istanbul?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 11h 15m.
What does the Cape Town to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Zambian plateau and edge of the Congo basin, the vast Sahara desert of Sudan and Libya, the Nile valley near the Sudanese-Egyptian border, and the Mediterranean Sea crossing toward the Turkish coast