While the Istanbul takeoff on the left is scenic, the right side offers the added drama of Alpine peaks on approach into Milan, giving it a slight edge for overall visual variety and terrain contrast.
Flown IST to LIN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Milan is 1,016 miles (1,635 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the northern Aegean Sea, the mountainous terrain of Albania and North Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea before reaching the Italian coastline near Venice or Ravenna.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST to the west, the initial turn typically brings the Bosphorus strait, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the water.
Landing at LIN
RIGHTOn approach into Linate from the east, the northern side of the aircraft faces the Alps, whose snow-capped peaks rise dramatically beyond the flat Po Valley as the plane descends toward Milan.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Linate (LIN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Milan. While the Istanbul takeoff on the left is scenic, the right side offers the added drama of Alpine peaks on approach into Milan, giving it a slight edge for overall visual variety and terrain contrast.
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 to the west, the initial turn typically brings the Bosphorus strait, historic Istanbul peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara into view on the left side of the aircraft as it climbs out over the water. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul old city skyline, Sea of Marmara, Prince Islands.
What can I see when landing at Linate in Milan?
When landing at Linate (LIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Linate from the east, the northern side of the aircraft faces the Alps, whose snow-capped peaks rise dramatically beyond the flat Po Valley as the plane descends toward Milan. Notable sights include: Alps foothills, Po Valley farmland, Milan skyline (including the Duomo area), Lombardy lakes region in the distance.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Milan?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Linate (LIN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,016 miles (1,635 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Milan flight path pass over?
The route crosses the northern Aegean Sea, the mountainous terrain of Albania and North Macedonia, and the Adriatic Sea before reaching the Italian coastline near Venice or Ravenna.