The right side consistently offers more geographic interest across the flight: distant Himalayan views on departure, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus foothills glimpsed during cruise, and a dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline approach on landing, compared to the flatter, less varied southern route scenery on the left.
Flight Path
Iranian plateau and Dasht-e Kavir desert, Zagros Mountains to the south, Elburz Mountains and southern Caspian Sea shoreline to the north, eastern Anatolian highlands near Lake Van
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
RIGHTDeparting DEL to the west, the right side offers views back toward Delhi's northern suburbs and the Yamuna river plain, with the distant Himalayan foothills sometimes visible on the horizon on clear days. The left side shows mostly flat, featureless Haryana farmland.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into IST, northerly landings bring the aircraft in over the Sea of Marmara, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline before touchdown. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Istanbul. The right side consistently offers more geographic interest across the flight: distant Himalayan views on departure, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus foothills glimpsed during cruise, and a dramatic Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline approach on landing, compared to the flatter, less varied southern route scenery on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DEL to the west, the right side offers views back toward Delhi's northern suburbs and the Yamuna river plain, with the distant Himalayan foothills sometimes visible on the horizon on clear days. The left side shows mostly flat, featureless Haryana farmland. Notable sights include: Yamuna River, Delhi urban sprawl, distant Himalayan foothills, Aravalli hill remnants.
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 IST, northerly landings bring the aircraft in over the Sea of Marmara, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline before touchdown. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Golden Horn.
How long is the flight from Delhi to Istanbul?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 6h 35m.
What does the Delhi to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Iranian plateau and Dasht-e Kavir desert, Zagros Mountains to the south, Elburz Mountains and southern Caspian Sea shoreline to the north, eastern Anatolian highlands near Lake Van