About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (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 delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the sweeping view of Istanbul, the Bosphorus, and the historic peninsula on departure. The landing view from the right into Jakarta Bay is interesting but relatively flat and hazy. Over the long cruise, the left side also tracks closer to the Himalayas as the route passes north of them, with distant snow-capped peaks occasionally visible on the horizon through clear conditions.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. IST departures heading east on runway 06 put the left side facing north, giving a direct view over the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its dense skyline. The right side faces south toward the Sea of Marmara but misses the city core. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn inlet, historic Sultanahmet peninsula, Prince's Islands (Adalar) in the Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Soekarno Hatta International in Jakarta?
When landing at Soekarno Hatta International (CGK), sit on the Right side for the best views. CGK sits northwest of Jakarta, and aircraft typically approach from the northwest on runway 07R/25L or from the north. A right-side seat on final approach from the northwest faces south toward Jakarta Bay and the city skyline of central Jakarta, including the visible urban density of the CBD. The left side faces inland toward flat agricultural land. Notable sights include: Jakarta Bay (Teluk Jakarta), Jakarta CBD skyline, Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) scattered in the bay, coastal mangrove fringe.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Jakarta?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Istanbul to Jakarta flight path pass over?
The route crosses eastern Turkey and the Caucasus region, then tracks over Iran and the Iranian plateau, passing south of the Caspian Sea. It continues over Pakistan and northern India, skirting south of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges. The Bay of Bengal is crossed before landfall over the Malay Peninsula or Sumatra, depending on the exact routing, with the Strait of Malacca and Sumatra's volcanic spine visible before descent into Jakarta.