The right side benefits from a scenic Helsinki archipelago departure and, combined with glimpses of the Baltic and Black Sea coastlines during cruise, edges out the left side, though the left side's Bosphorus approach is the single best moment of the flight.
Flown HEL to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Istanbul is 1,326 miles (2,133 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
Baltic Sea, Polish and Ukrainian plains, Carpathian foothills, Romanian lowlands, Black Sea coast near Bulgaria
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTDeparting Helsinki-Vantaa on runway 22, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning left toward the Baltic Sea, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland coastline as the city falls away below.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the north, the flight path crosses the Black Sea coastline and descends south along the western edge of the Bosphorus, putting the strait, Istanbul's skyline, and the Sea of Marmara in view on the left side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Istanbul. The right side benefits from a scenic Helsinki archipelago departure and, combined with glimpses of the Baltic and Black Sea coastlines during cruise, edges out the left side, though the left side's Bosphorus approach is the single best moment of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Helsinki-Vantaa on runway 22, the aircraft climbs southwest before turning left toward the Baltic Sea, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland coastline as the city falls away below. Notable sights include: Helsinki city center, Gulf of Finland, Suomenlinna island fortress, Baltic Sea archipelago.
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 to Istanbul Airport from the north, the flight path crosses the Black Sea coastline and descends south along the western edge of the Bosphorus, putting the strait, Istanbul's skyline, and the Sea of Marmara in view on the left side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul skyline and mosques, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Istanbul?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,133 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Baltic Sea, Polish and Ukrainian plains, Carpathian foothills, Romanian lowlands, Black Sea coast near Bulgaria