Istanbul to Izmir flight pathISTADB

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

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

Flight time1h 10m
Distance222
Heading203° → 202°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 2.5 left·★ 3.5 right

While the left side wins the brief Istanbul takeoff view, the right side delivers a stronger overall experience with the Aegean coastline and Gulf of Izmir dominating the descent, giving more sustained and varied coastal scenery across the flight.

Takeoff · ISTLEFTIstanbul historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait mouth, Sea of Marmara
Landing · ADBRIGHTGulf of Izmir, Izmir city waterfront, Karaburun Peninsula

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Sea of Marmara, rolling hills of Balıkesir province, distant Aegean coastline near Dikili before descent toward Izmir

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Istanbul (left side) — Istanbul historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait mouth, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands

Takeoff from IST

LEFT

Departing IST southbound, the initial turn brings the historic peninsula of Istanbul, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side of the aircraft. It's a brief but recognizable urban and coastal snapshot before the route heads inland.

Istanbul historic peninsulaBosphorus strait mouthSea of MarmaraPrinces' Islands

Landing at ADB

RIGHT

On approach into ADB from the north, the right side offers views of the Gulf of Izmir with the city spread along the hillsides, plus the open Aegean Sea and Karaburun peninsula further out. This coastal descent is more visually varied than the inland terrain on the opposite side.

Gulf of IzmirIzmir city waterfrontKaraburun PeninsulaAegean Sea

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Adnan Menderes (ADB)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Izmir. While the left side wins the brief Istanbul takeoff view, the right side delivers a stronger overall experience with the Aegean coastline and Gulf of Izmir dominating the descent, giving more sustained and varied coastal scenery across the flight.

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

During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IST southbound, the initial turn brings the historic peninsula of Istanbul, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side of the aircraft. It's a brief but recognizable urban and coastal snapshot before the route heads inland. Notable sights include: Istanbul historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait mouth, Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.

What can I see when landing at Adnan Menderes in Izmir?

When landing at Adnan Menderes (ADB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into ADB from the north, the right side offers views of the Gulf of Izmir with the city spread along the hillsides, plus the open Aegean Sea and Karaburun peninsula further out. This coastal descent is more visually varied than the inland terrain on the opposite side. Notable sights include: Gulf of Izmir, Izmir city waterfront, Karaburun Peninsula, Aegean Sea.

How long is the flight from Istanbul to Izmir?

The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Adnan Menderes (ADB) takes 1h 10m.

What does the Istanbul to Izmir flight path pass over?

Sea of Marmara, rolling hills of Balıkesir province, distant Aegean coastline near Dikili before descent toward Izmir