Istanbul to Algier is 1,401 miles (2,255 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's iconic strait and skyline at departure, and Algiers' bay and hillside city with the Atlas Mountains at arrival — while the right side offers comparatively plainer Mediterranean and Black Sea views.
Flight Path
The route crosses the southern Aegean near Crete, then the Ionian Sea between the Peloponnese and Sicily, before continuing over the central Mediterranean toward the Tunisian and Algerian coasts.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the west typically involves an initial climb and left turn that puts Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara directly in view on the left side. This is one of the most recognizable urban skylines visible from any departing aircraft.
Landing at ALG
LEFTApproaches into Algiers from the east commonly track along the coastline before turning onto final for runway 09/27, giving left-side passengers a view of Algiers Bay, the white hillside city, and the beginning of the Atlas foothills rising just south of the coast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Houari Boumediene (ALG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Algier. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's iconic strait and skyline at departure, and Algiers' bay and hillside city with the Atlas Mountains at arrival — while the right side offers comparatively plainer Mediterranean and Black Sea views.
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 toward the west typically involves an initial climb and left turn that puts Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the Sea of Marmara directly in view on the left side. This is one of the most recognizable urban skylines visible from any departing aircraft. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Historic Peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Houari Boumediene in Algier?
When landing at Houari Boumediene (ALG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaches into Algiers from the east commonly track along the coastline before turning onto final for runway 09/27, giving left-side passengers a view of Algiers Bay, the white hillside city, and the beginning of the Atlas foothills rising just south of the coast. Notable sights include: Algiers Bay, Casbah/old city hillside, Mediterranean coastline, Atlas Mountains foothills.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Algier?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Houari Boumediene (ALG) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,401 miles (2,255 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Algier flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern Aegean near Crete, then the Ionian Sea between the Peloponnese and Sicily, before continuing over the central Mediterranean toward the Tunisian and Algerian coasts.