About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Kastrup (CPH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Copenhagen. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the route north over Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, and the Baltic, the left side also faces west over the Baltic Sea approaches and the Danish islands on descent. The Bosphorus and Øresund views are the highlights of the trip and both favor the left seat.
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 typically departs westward on runway 06/24 or uses the northern runway complex. A left/south-facing seat gives you the Bosphorus Strait, the historic peninsula of Sultanahmet, and the Sea of Marmara as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. The entire Istanbul skyline with its minarets and bridges is laid out below you. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait and its two suspension bridges, Sea of Marmara, Sultanahmet historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque visible as distinct domes), Prince's Islands (Adalar) in the Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Kastrup in Copenhagen?
When landing at Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CPH typically lands on runway 22L/22R approaching from the northeast, or runway 04 from the south. On the common southwesterly approach over the Øresund, a left seat faces southeast toward the Øresund Bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, with Malmö visible across the strait. The approach over the water gives clear views of the bridge and the low Swedish coastline. Notable sights include: Øresund Bridge (Öresundsbron) connecting Copenhagen to Malmö, Malmö city center across the strait, Amager Fælled flatlands below final approach, Copenhagen harbor and city center to the north.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Copenhagen?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Kastrup (CPH) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Istanbul to Copenhagen flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Bulgaria and the Balkan ranges, crosses Romania and the Carpathian foothills, passes over southern Poland and the North European Plain, crosses the Baltic Sea coast near Gdańsk, then tracks over the Danish straits including the Kattegat and the island of Bornholm before descending into Copenhagen. The Baltic Sea is visible for a significant portion of the northern leg.