The left side wins overall because it combines a strong Hong Kong harbor departure with a cruise phase that crosses the Tibetan Plateau, Tian Shan, and Pamir ranges to the south of the flight path, offering sustained dramatic mountain terrain that outweighs the shorter, though scenic, Bosphorus approach on the right.
Flown HKG to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Istanbul is 4,975 miles (8,007 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains, Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert edges, Tian Shan and Pamir ranges, Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG, the climb-out typically arcs over the South China Sea before turning northwest toward the Pearl River Delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the dense Kowloon skyline before the terrain gives way to the Guangdong hills.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArriving into IST from the east, flights often track over the Black Sea coast before turning south for final approach, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's minaret-dotted skyline on the right side of the aircraft during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Istanbul. The left side wins overall because it combines a strong Hong Kong harbor departure with a cruise phase that crosses the Tibetan Plateau, Tian Shan, and Pamir ranges to the south of the flight path, offering sustained dramatic mountain terrain that outweighs the shorter, though scenic, Bosphorus approach on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG, the climb-out typically arcs over the South China Sea before turning northwest toward the Pearl River Delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Hong Kong Island, Victoria Harbour, and the dense Kowloon skyline before the terrain gives way to the Guangdong hills. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Lantau Island, Pearl River Delta.
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. Arriving into IST from the east, flights often track over the Black Sea coast before turning south for final approach, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's minaret-dotted skyline on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Istanbul?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,975 miles (8,007 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains, Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert edges, Tian Shan and Pamir ranges, Caspian Sea, Caucasus Mountains