The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Istanbul departure over the Bosphorus, and during cruise the route tracks close enough to the Zagros Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan foothills for repeated mountain views to the north, whereas the right side mostly shows Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean expanses.
Flight Path
Zagros Mountains of Iran, Hindu Kush foothills, southern Himalayan ranges, Bay of Bengal, volcanic peaks of Sumatra
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST on a southbound runway before turning east, the left side offers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's skyline as the aircraft climbs out over the city. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with little visual interest.
Landing at CGK
LEFTOn approach into CGK from the west, the left side reveals the volcanic peaks of West Java's interior and the coastal plain leading into Jakarta Bay, while the right side is dominated by open Java Sea with little to see until 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 Soekarno Hatta International (CGK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Jakarta. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Istanbul departure over the Bosphorus, and during cruise the route tracks close enough to the Zagros Mountains, Hindu Kush, and Himalayan foothills for repeated mountain views to the north, whereas the right side mostly shows Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean expanses.
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 on a southbound runway before turning east, the left side offers a sweeping view of the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's skyline as the aircraft climbs out over the city. The right side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Prince Islands.
What can I see when landing at Soekarno Hatta International in Jakarta?
When landing at Soekarno Hatta International (CGK), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into CGK from the west, the left side reveals the volcanic peaks of West Java's interior and the coastal plain leading into Jakarta Bay, while the right side is dominated by open Java Sea with little to see until touchdown. Notable sights include: West Java volcanic peaks (Gede-Pangrango complex), Jakarta Bay, Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu), Ciliwung River delta.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Jakarta?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) takes 10h 30m.
What does the Istanbul to Jakarta flight path pass over?
Zagros Mountains of Iran, Hindu Kush foothills, southern Himalayan ranges, Bay of Bengal, volcanic peaks of Sumatra