The right side tracks the more scenic eastern flank of the route — coastal glimpses at takeoff, the Great Rift Valley and Kilimanjaro region during cruise, the Nile valley and Red Sea approach through Egypt, and a dramatic Bosphorus-side arrival into Istanbul. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless interior plains and desert with less landmark variety.
Flown DUR to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Durban to Istanbul is 4,900 miles (7,886 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Great Rift Valley lakes and escarpments, Lake Victoria basin, Ethiopian highlands, Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, Red Sea coastline near the Egyptian border
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUR
RIGHTDeparting DUR the aircraft climbs out over the Indian Ocean coastline near Durban's harbor and Golden Mile beachfront, which sits on the right side as the jet turns north toward the interior. This coastal glimpse is brief but is the only true scenic highlight of the takeoff sequence.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul from the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait separating Europe and Asia, with the city's dense skyline and waterways visible during the descent. This is a far more dramatic urban-coastal landing than anything on the left, which mostly faces inland Thrace.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Durban to Istanbul. The right side tracks the more scenic eastern flank of the route — coastal glimpses at takeoff, the Great Rift Valley and Kilimanjaro region during cruise, the Nile valley and Red Sea approach through Egypt, and a dramatic Bosphorus-side arrival into Istanbul. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless interior plains and desert with less landmark variety.
What can I see during takeoff from King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
During takeoff from King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DUR the aircraft climbs out over the Indian Ocean coastline near Durban's harbor and Golden Mile beachfront, which sits on the right side as the jet turns north toward the interior. This coastal glimpse is brief but is the only true scenic highlight of the takeoff sequence. Notable sights include: Durban harbor and bay, Golden Mile beachfront, Bluff headland, Indian Ocean 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 from the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait separating Europe and Asia, with the city's dense skyline and waterways visible during the descent. This is a far more dramatic urban-coastal landing than anything on the left, which mostly faces inland Thrace. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul's European and Asian shorelines, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Durban to Istanbul?
The flight from King Shaka International Airport (DUR) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,900 miles (7,886 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Durban to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Great Rift Valley lakes and escarpments, Lake Victoria basin, Ethiopian highlands, Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, Red Sea coastline near the Egyptian border