The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Istanbul departure over the Bosphorus and a dramatic Hong Kong skyline arrival over Victoria Harbour, while the left side's cruise-phase mountains are the only real highlight for that side.
Flown IST to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Hong Kong is 4,975 miles (8,007 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
Caspian Sea coastline, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan deserts, Tian Shan mountain range, Tibetan Plateau foothills, and the Gobi Desert's edge before descending over southern China
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST eastbound, the aircraft's turn toward the Caucasus puts the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's historic peninsula on the right side, giving a brief but iconic skyline view before the coastline fades. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside and open Black Sea.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn approach into HKG from the north/northwest, the final turn typically swings over Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, putting Victoria Harbour and the dense skyline on the right side just before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the mountainous but less developed terrain of Lantau Island.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Hong Kong. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic Istanbul departure over the Bosphorus and a dramatic Hong Kong skyline arrival over Victoria Harbour, while the left side's cruise-phase mountains are the only real highlight for that side.
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 eastbound, the aircraft's turn toward the Caucasus puts the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's historic peninsula on the right side, giving a brief but iconic skyline view before the coastline fades. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside and open Black Sea. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into HKG from the north/northwest, the final turn typically swings over Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, putting Victoria Harbour and the dense skyline on the right side just before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the mountainous but less developed terrain of Lantau Island. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau Island peaks.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Hong Kong?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,975 miles (8,007 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea coastline, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan deserts, Tian Shan mountain range, Tibetan Plateau foothills, and the Gobi Desert's edge before descending over southern China