The left side offers the more dynamic visual experience, combining Dalaman's scenic coastal departure with a Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul, while the right side is dominated by unremarkable inland terrain for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Western Anatolian plateau, scattered lakes and farmland near Afyon and Bursa provinces, distant view of Uludag mountain range
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DLM
LEFTDeparting Dalaman toward the north, the initial climb and turn reveal the turquoise bays of Gocek and the Dalaman coastline falling away to the west, backed by the Taurus foothills. The right side mostly shows inland scrub and mountains with less visual contrast.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the south, the descent path crosses the Sea of Marmara, giving passengers on the left a view of the water and the western suburbs of Istanbul before the final turn onto the runway. The right side typically shows flatter farmland northwest of the city with fewer landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dalaman (DLM) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dalaman to Istanbul. The left side offers the more dynamic visual experience, combining Dalaman's scenic coastal departure with a Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul, while the right side is dominated by unremarkable inland terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Dalaman in Dalaman?
During takeoff from Dalaman (DLM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Dalaman toward the north, the initial climb and turn reveal the turquoise bays of Gocek and the Dalaman coastline falling away to the west, backed by the Taurus foothills. The right side mostly shows inland scrub and mountains with less visual contrast. Notable sights include: Gulf of Dalaman, Gocek Bay, Taurus Mountain foothills, Aegean coastline.
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 Istanbul Airport from the south, the descent path crosses the Sea of Marmara, giving passengers on the left a view of the water and the western suburbs of Istanbul before the final turn onto the runway. The right side typically shows flatter farmland northwest of the city with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul western suburbs, Buyukcekmece Lake, Thracian coastline.
How long is the flight from Dalaman to Istanbul?
The flight from Dalaman (DLM) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Dalaman to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Western Anatolian plateau, scattered lakes and farmland near Afyon and Bursa provinces, distant view of Uludag mountain range