The right side captures the Marmara coastline on departure, the Turkish Mediterranean coast and Taurus foothills during cruise, and a dramatic mountain-and-sea approach into Beirut, while the left side mostly faces inland Anatolian plateau and open sea with fewer distinct landmarks.
Flight Path
Taurus Mountains along Turkey's southern coast, the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus, and the approach toward Mount Lebanon's coastal range
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST toward the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara's southern shoreline before the aircraft turns onto its southeast track toward Anatolia, giving a brief but clear coastal perspective that the left side lacks over the featureless European Istanbul suburbs.
Landing at BEY
RIGHTApproaches into Beirut typically come in from over the Mediterranean, and the final turn toward runway 17/34 puts the Mount Lebanon range and the city's coastal skyline on the right side, giving a dramatic contrast of sea, city, and mountains just before touchdown.
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 Beirut International (BEY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Beirut. The right side captures the Marmara coastline on departure, the Turkish Mediterranean coast and Taurus foothills during cruise, and a dramatic mountain-and-sea approach into Beirut, while the left side mostly faces inland Anatolian plateau and open sea with fewer distinct landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST toward the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara's southern shoreline before the aircraft turns onto its southeast track toward Anatolia, giving a brief but clear coastal perspective that the left side lacks over the featureless European Istanbul suburbs. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, southern Istanbul coastline.
What can I see when landing at Beirut International in Beirut?
When landing at Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaches into Beirut typically come in from over the Mediterranean, and the final turn toward runway 17/34 puts the Mount Lebanon range and the city's coastal skyline on the right side, giving a dramatic contrast of sea, city, and mountains just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Beirut coastline and marina, Mount Lebanon foothills, Mediterranean Sea.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Beirut?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Beirut International (BEY) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Istanbul to Beirut flight path pass over?
Taurus Mountains along Turkey's southern coast, the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus, and the approach toward Mount Lebanon's coastal range