The great-circle route bows north across the Atlantic, so left-side passengers get sweeping views of southern Greenland's icy coastal mountains, Iceland's volcanic terrain, and the fjorded Norwegian coastline during cruise — a rare, dramatic sequence that outweighs the right side's ocean-and-farmland monotony for most of the flight.
Flown IAD to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Washington to Istanbul is 5,211 miles (8,387 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland, Iceland, Norwegian Sea and fjord coast
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
RIGHTDeparting IAD eastbound, the initial turn toward the northeast typically swings the aircraft south of its takeoff heading, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Potomac River and the fringes of the Washington DC metro area before the climb continues over Maryland farmland. The left side mostly shows the wooded Piedmont and Dulles's own sprawling runway complex.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the west or north, the flight path often curves over the Sea of Marmara or the Bosphorus mouth before lining up for landing, giving right-side passengers a striking view of Istanbul's skyline, minarets, and the strait separating Europe and Asia. The left side typically shows the flatter, less distinctive Thracian countryside and Black Sea coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Istanbul. The great-circle route bows north across the Atlantic, so left-side passengers get sweeping views of southern Greenland's icy coastal mountains, Iceland's volcanic terrain, and the fjorded Norwegian coastline during cruise — a rare, dramatic sequence that outweighs the right side's ocean-and-farmland monotony for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAD eastbound, the initial turn toward the northeast typically swings the aircraft south of its takeoff heading, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Potomac River and the fringes of the Washington DC metro area before the climb continues over Maryland farmland. The left side mostly shows the wooded Piedmont and Dulles's own sprawling runway complex. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC suburbs, Chesapeake Bay in the distance, Dulles airport complex.
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 to Istanbul Airport from the west or north, the flight path often curves over the Sea of Marmara or the Bosphorus mouth before lining up for landing, giving right-side passengers a striking view of Istanbul's skyline, minarets, and the strait separating Europe and Asia. The left side typically shows the flatter, less distinctive Thracian countryside and Black Sea coast. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Istanbul?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,211 miles (8,387 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Washington to Istanbul flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland, Iceland, Norwegian Sea and fjord coast