The left side captures the more dramatic segments of the route: Istanbul and the Bosphorus at departure, and glimpses of the Red Sea coast, Ethiopian Highlands, and East African Rift lake basins during the long cruise south, plus a scenic Highveld approach into Johannesburg.
Flown IST to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Johannesburg is 4,658 miles (7,496 km), a flight of about 9 hours 35 minutes.
Nile River valley and Sahara desert in Egypt/Sudan, Ethiopian Highlands and the East African Rift Valley with its lakes, Lake Victoria basin, and the Zambezi River basin approaching southern Africa
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST southbound, the climb-out passes along the western edge of the Sea of Marmara with Istanbul's sprawling skyline and the Bosphorus entrance visible off the left side before the aircraft turns onto its southerly track over Anatolia.
Landing at JNB
LEFTOn approach into JNB from the north, the descent path crosses the Highveld plateau and the escarpment edge, giving left-side passengers a view of the rolling grassland terrain and distant ridgelines before the final turn onto the runway.
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 O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Johannesburg. The left side captures the more dramatic segments of the route: Istanbul and the Bosphorus at departure, and glimpses of the Red Sea coast, Ethiopian Highlands, and East African Rift lake basins during the long cruise south, plus a scenic Highveld approach into Johannesburg.
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 southbound, the climb-out passes along the western edge of the Sea of Marmara with Istanbul's sprawling skyline and the Bosphorus entrance visible off the left side before the aircraft turns onto its southerly track over Anatolia. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus strait mouth, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into JNB from the north, the descent path crosses the Highveld plateau and the escarpment edge, giving left-side passengers a view of the rolling grassland terrain and distant ridgelines before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Highveld plateau, Magaliesberg ridge (distant), Johannesburg northern suburbs, Ekurhuleni industrial belt.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Johannesburg?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 9 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,658 miles (7,496 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
Nile River valley and Sahara desert in Egypt/Sudan, Ethiopian Highlands and the East African Rift Valley with its lakes, Lake Victoria basin, and the Zambezi River basin approaching southern Africa