About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Chisinau (KIV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Kichinau Fir/acc/com. The left side delivers the spectacular Istanbul departure with the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and the historic peninsula all clearly visible during climb-out. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the Istanbul departure view is the highlight of this short flight and makes left the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk primarily uses runways 06/24 and 18/36. Departing northeast toward Chisinau, a left-side seat gives you the Sea of Marmara and the Istanbul city center including the historic peninsula with its dense Ottoman skyline. The Bosphorus strait and its two suspension bridges are clearly visible from the left as the aircraft climbs and turns north. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait with Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Bosphorus bridges, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area), Golden Horn inlet.
What can I see when landing at Chisinau in Kichinau Fir/acc/com?
When landing at Chisinau (KIV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Chisinau airport sits just southeast of the city center. Aircraft typically approach from the south or southwest on runway 09/27 or 13/31. A right-side seat on approach from the southwest gives a clear view of the Dniester River valley and the rolling Moldovan plateau, with Chisinau's city center visible to the right as you descend. Notable sights include: Dniester River valley, Chisinau city center and central park, rolling Moldovan agricultural plateau, Byk River valley near the airport.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Kichinau Fir/acc/com?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Chisinau (KIV) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What does the Istanbul to Kichinau Fir/acc/com flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria near Varna, then tracks northeast over the southern Ukrainian steppe and the lower Danube floodplain before crossing into Moldova. The Danube delta region may be visible to the right in the distance. The terrain is predominantly flat agricultural land — the Pontic steppe and Wallachian plain — with no significant mountain ranges. The Black Sea coastline of Bulgaria and Romania is the most visually notable midpoint feature.