The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus at departure, and the Firth of Forth with Edinburgh's landmarks on arrival — while the cruise phase over the Balkans and Central Europe offers similar terrain on both sides.
Flown IST to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Edinburgh is 1,758 miles (2,829 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria and Serbia, the Pannonian Basin over Hungary, and the North European Plain before crossing the North Sea toward Scotland
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST northbound before turning west, passengers on the left get a good look back at the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's dense skyline before the aircraft settles onto its northwest track. The right side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive Black Sea coastal plain.
Landing at EDI
LEFTEDI's typical approach comes in from the northeast over the North Sea, and left-side passengers get a clear view of the Firth of Forth, the Forth bridges, and Edinburgh's skyline including Arthur's Seat as the plane banks toward runway 24. The right side faces open farmland with fewer landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Edinburgh. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's skyline and the Bosphorus at departure, and the Firth of Forth with Edinburgh's landmarks on arrival — while the cruise phase over the Balkans and Central Europe offers similar terrain on both sides.
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 northbound before turning west, passengers on the left get a good look back at the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's dense skyline before the aircraft settles onto its northwest track. The right side mostly shows the flatter, less distinctive Black Sea coastal plain. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul skyline, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. EDI's typical approach comes in from the northeast over the North Sea, and left-side passengers get a clear view of the Firth of Forth, the Forth bridges, and Edinburgh's skyline including Arthur's Seat as the plane banks toward runway 24. The right side faces open farmland with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridge, Edinburgh Castle area, Arthur's Seat.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Edinburgh?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,758 miles (2,829 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Balkan mountain ranges over Bulgaria and Serbia, the Pannonian Basin over Hungary, and the North European Plain before crossing the North Sea toward Scotland