The left side wins overall because the dramatic, close-range view of Mount Etna during departure outweighs the more distant Istanbul skyline glimpse on arrival, and the cruise phase over Greek mainland terrain also favors the northern (left) side of the aircraft.
Flown CTA to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Catania to Istanbul is 775 miles (1,247 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The route crosses the Ionian Sea, passes near the Greek mainland's Peloponnese peninsula, and continues over the Aegean Sea before reaching the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara approaching Turkey.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTA
LEFTWith prevailing westerly winds, departures use runway 08, climbing out to the east and banking north over the Catania plain. This puts Mount Etna's snow-capped cone and the Ionian coastline squarely on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into Istanbul from the southwest typically land on the northern-flow runways, tracking north over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final. This puts the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline along the Bosphorus entrance on the right side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Catania to Istanbul. The left side wins overall because the dramatic, close-range view of Mount Etna during departure outweighs the more distant Istanbul skyline glimpse on arrival, and the cruise phase over Greek mainland terrain also favors the northern (left) side of the aircraft.
What can I see during takeoff from Catania Fontanarossa in Catania?
During takeoff from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), sit on the Left side for the best views. With prevailing westerly winds, departures use runway 08, climbing out to the east and banking north over the Catania plain. This puts Mount Etna's snow-capped cone and the Ionian coastline squarely on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Mount Etna, Catania coastline and harbor, Ionian Sea.
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. Arrivals into Istanbul from the southwest typically land on the northern-flow runways, tracking north over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final. This puts the Princes' Islands and the Istanbul skyline along the Bosphorus entrance on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Princes' Islands, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul skyline near the Bosphorus mouth.
How long is the flight from Catania to Istanbul?
The flight from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 775 miles (1,247 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Catania to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Ionian Sea, passes near the Greek mainland's Peloponnese peninsula, and continues over the Aegean Sea before reaching the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmara approaching Turkey.