The left side captures the Red Sea coastline and Nile Valley during the African leg of the cruise, occasional views toward the Ethiopian highlands and East African Rift, and finishes with the dramatic Durban coastal approach — giving it more variety and landmark density across the full flight than the right side's largely inland desert and plateau views.
Flown IST to DUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Durban is 4,900 miles (7,886 km), a flight of about 10 hours 20 minutes.
Nile River and its delta in Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian Highlands and East African Rift Valley, Lake Victoria's northern shore, and the Mozambique lowlands before the final descent into Durban
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST to the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara and the historic Istanbul peninsula, with the Bosphorus mouth and city skyline briefly visible before the climb-out over water. The left side mainly shows the flatter Thracian countryside.
Landing at DUR
LEFTApproaching DUR from the north along the coast, the left side reveals the Indian Ocean shoreline, Durban's beachfront high-rises, and the harbor entrance, while the right side shows only the flatter inland KwaZulu-Natal terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Durban. The left side captures the Red Sea coastline and Nile Valley during the African leg of the cruise, occasional views toward the Ethiopian highlands and East African Rift, and finishes with the dramatic Durban coastal approach — giving it more variety and landmark density across the full flight than the right side's largely inland desert and plateau views.
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 to the south, the right side offers views over the Sea of Marmara and the historic Istanbul peninsula, with the Bosphorus mouth and city skyline briefly visible before the climb-out over water. The left side mainly shows the flatter Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching DUR from the north along the coast, the left side reveals the Indian Ocean shoreline, Durban's beachfront high-rises, and the harbor entrance, while the right side shows only the flatter inland KwaZulu-Natal terrain. Notable sights include: Durban Golden Mile beachfront, Durban Harbour entrance, Indian Ocean coastline, uMhlanga coastal ridge.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Durban?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 10 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,900 miles (7,886 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Durban flight path pass over?
Nile River and its delta in Egypt, the Red Sea coastline, the Ethiopian Highlands and East African Rift Valley, Lake Victoria's northern shore, and the Mozambique lowlands before the final descent into Durban