About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Athinai (HEW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Athens. The right side wins at takeoff for Marmara and Istanbul views, but the left side delivers the more dramatic sustained scenery: as the flight tracks southwest over the northern Aegean, the left side faces the Greek island chains and eventually the Athens basin on descent. The Acropolis and Hymettus ridge on approach tip the balance to the left overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. IST typically departs westbound on runway 06/24 or 18/36. A westbound departure on 06 puts the right side facing south over the Sea of Marmara, giving clear views of the Princes' Islands and the Bosphorus mouth. The city of Istanbul spreads across both shores but the historic peninsula with the Old City is best framed from the right. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands (Adalar), Istanbul Old City peninsula (Sultanahmet/Hagia Sophia area), Bosphorus strait.
What can I see when landing at Athinai in Athens?
When landing at Athinai (HEW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH, not HEW/Hellinikon) typically lands from the east on runway 03L/03R, but the old Hellinikon airport used runways roughly aligned northeast-southwest. On approach from the northeast over the Aegean, the left side faces northwest toward Athens city center, the Acropolis hill, and the Saronic Gulf coastline. The right side faces open Aegean water. Notable sights include: Acropolis hill and Athens basin, Saronic Gulf, Mount Hymettus (Ymittos) ridge east of Athens, Piraeus port.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Athens?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Athinai (HEW) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Istanbul to Athens flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the northern Aegean Sea, passing south of Thrace and over or near the northern Sporades island group. The islands of Skyros and Evia (Euboea) — a long narrow island — are visible below or to the left depending on exact routing. The Aegean is dotted with small rocky islands throughout the crossing. The coastline of mainland Greece becomes visible on the left as the aircraft descends toward Attica.