The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Istanbul/Bosphorus departure and a Kuala Lumpur skyline approach, while the right side mostly faces open water or featureless plains during these phases. Cruise scenery is fairly symmetrical over Iran, the Arabian Sea, and Sumatra, so the takeoff and landing advantages decide it.
Flight Path
Zagros Mountains and Iranian plateau, Persian Gulf coastline, Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka's outline, Bay of Bengal, Sumatra's western coast and volcanic ridgeline, Strait of Malacca
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the southeast, the initial climb and right-hand turn put the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara shoreline, and Istanbul's historic peninsula on the left side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban departures in the world, with the city's minarets and bridges visible for several minutes during climb-out.
Landing at KUL
LEFTOn approach into KUL from the west over the Strait of Malacca, the descent path typically brings the Kuala Lumpur skyline, including the Petronas Towers, into view on the left side before the final turn onto the runway. The coastal plain and palm oil plantations add textured green scenery not present on the ocean-facing right side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a dramatic Istanbul/Bosphorus departure and a Kuala Lumpur skyline approach, while the right side mostly faces open water or featureless plains during these phases. Cruise scenery is fairly symmetrical over Iran, the Arabian Sea, and Sumatra, so the takeoff and landing advantages decide it.
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 toward the southeast, the initial climb and right-hand turn put the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara shoreline, and Istanbul's historic peninsula on the left side of the aircraft. This is one of the most recognizable urban departures in the world, with the city's minarets and bridges visible for several minutes during climb-out. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Historic Peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
What can I see when landing at Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
When landing at Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into KUL from the west over the Strait of Malacca, the descent path typically brings the Kuala Lumpur skyline, including the Petronas Towers, into view on the left side before the final turn onto the runway. The coastal plain and palm oil plantations add textured green scenery not present on the ocean-facing right side. Notable sights include: Strait of Malacca coastline, Kuala Lumpur skyline (Petronas Towers), Klang River delta, palm plantation mosaic.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) takes 10h 30m.
What does the Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur flight path pass over?
Zagros Mountains and Iranian plateau, Persian Gulf coastline, Arabian Sea, Sri Lanka's outline, Bay of Bengal, Sumatra's western coast and volcanic ridgeline, Strait of Malacca