About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Washington Dulles International (IAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Washington. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left seat delivers the Bosphorus and Marmara on departure and the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valley on arrival, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
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 westbound on runway 06/24 or 18/36. A westbound departure on runway 06 puts the left side facing south over the Sea of Marmara, giving a clear view of the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Sultanahmet, and the Princes' Islands. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Sultanahmet historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque visible as a dense cluster), Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Washington Dulles International in Washington?
When landing at Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAD typically lands on runways 01L/R or 19L/R. On a transatlantic arrival from the northeast, aircraft generally approach from the north or northeast, meaning a left-side seat faces west and northwest toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley, while the right side looks east over flat Virginia suburbs. The left side also catches the Potomac River and the distant Washington DC skyline during the approach. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains (Shenandoah front range), Shenandoah Valley, Potomac River, Washington DC skyline (Capitol dome and Washington Monument visible as small distant features to the east-southeast).
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Washington?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Washington Dulles International (IAD) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Istanbul to Washington flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Bulgaria and Romania, crosses the Black Sea coast briefly, then transits central Europe over Hungary, Austria, and Germany before crossing the North Sea near the UK. Over the Atlantic the flight passes south of Greenland and Iceland. Approaching North America, the route crosses Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before descending over the northeastern US seaboard.