About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over the Balkans and central Europe the left side also faces generally south, giving occasional views of the Alps as the route passes north of them, while the right side faces north toward less dramatic terrain. The Istanbul departure views of the Bosphorus and Marmara are genuinely spectacular and alone justify the left seat.
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 departures heading west on runway 06/24 or 18/36 give the left side a direct view over the Sea of Marmara and the Istanbul city center including the historic peninsula. The Bosphorus strait and its bridges are clearly visible from the left as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait with its suspension bridges, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area visible as a dense urban mass), Prince's Islands in the Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow typically uses easterly approaches on runways 27L/27R when landing westbound, meaning the aircraft tracks over central London from the east. The left side gets a prolonged view over the Thames, the City of London, and the urban sprawl of west London during the long final approach. Notable sights include: River Thames winding through central London, Canary Wharf cluster of towers, Hyde Park as a large green rectangle, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to London?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.
What does the Istanbul to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Istanbul over Bulgaria and Serbia, then across Hungary and Austria, passing north of the Alps. The Danube is crossed multiple times in the Balkans. Over Austria and southern Germany the Alps appear as a white-capped ridgeline to the south. The route then crosses France before the Channel crossing into southern England. The English Channel crossing takes roughly 20-25 minutes at cruise altitude.