IST

Best window seat at İstanbul Airport

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara in the distance

LandingRIGHT

Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs

🛫 Taking Off from Istanbul (IST)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting on runway 35R, the aircraft climbs almost due north, and as it gains altitude the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic skyline come into view off to the right (east) before the plane turns onto its route. It's a brief but classic glimpse of the strait separating Europe and Asia.
Look forBosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara in the distance, Black Sea coastline near the airport
Left window seat view during takeoff from Istanbul (IST) — Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara in the distance, Black Sea coastline near the airportLeft Side

🛬 Landing at Istanbul (IST)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 35L means you're flying north on final approach, with Istanbul's western districts, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Black Sea coastline all visible off to the right (east) as you descend. The left side mostly shows flat Thrace farmland and Terkos Lake, which is less visually interesting.
Look forBlack Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distance
Left window seat view during landing at Istanbul (IST) — Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distanceLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Istanbul (IST) — Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distanceRight Side
IstanbulPhoto: enaerguvan .

Opened in 2018, İstanbul Airport is one of the world's largest airports by land area, with a single massive main terminal designed for high capacity and future expansion. It replaced Atatürk Airport as Turkey's primary international gateway and serves as the main base for Turkish Airlines' global network.

⛰️ Elevation325 ft
🛫 Runways6 (17L/35R, 17R/35L, 16L/34R, 16R/34L, 18/36, 09/27)
✈️ HubTurkish Airlines, AJet
📍 NearbySAW 40 miTEQ 43 miYEI 83 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at İstanbul Airport (IST)?

At İstanbul Airport in Istanbul: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara in the distance, Black Sea coastline near the airport.

What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?

When taking off from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on runway 35R, the aircraft climbs almost due north, and as it gains altitude the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic skyline come into view off to the right (east) before the plane turns onto its route. It's a brief but classic glimpse of the strait separating Europe and Asia. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Sea of Marmara in the distance, Black Sea coastline near the airport.

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. Landing on runway 35L means you're flying north on final approach, with Istanbul's western districts, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Black Sea coastline all visible off to the right (east) as you descend. The left side mostly shows flat Thrace farmland and Terkos Lake, which is less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distance.

What factors affect the best window seat at İstanbul Airport?

The best window seat at İstanbul Airport (IST) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Istanbul (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.