Istanbul to Lethem is 5,988 miles (9,637 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The left side wins because of the strong Istanbul/Marmara departure sequence and the chance of glimpsing the Aegean islands and North African coast during the early cruise phase, whereas the right side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic Ocean with no landmarks until final descent.
Flight Path
Aegean Sea and Greek islands shortly after departure, then a long stretch of open Atlantic Ocean with no visible landmarks for several hours before reaching the Guyanese coastline and interior savanna.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST toward the southwest, the initial turn keeps Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara with its Prince's Islands on the left side of the aircraft. This is the one unmistakably scenic urban/coastal moment of the whole flight.
Landing at LTM
RIGHTOn approach to Lethem's single runway, the descent path crosses the Rupununi savanna with the Kanuku Mountains rising abruptly to the south, visible on the right side of the aircraft along with the winding Takutu River marking the Guyana-Brazil border.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lethem (LTM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Lethem. The left side wins because of the strong Istanbul/Marmara departure sequence and the chance of glimpsing the Aegean islands and North African coast during the early cruise phase, whereas the right side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic Ocean with no landmarks until final descent.
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 southwest, the initial turn keeps Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara with its Prince's Islands on the left side of the aircraft. This is the one unmistakably scenic urban/coastal moment of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline.
What can I see when landing at Lethem in Lethem?
When landing at Lethem (LTM), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Lethem's single runway, the descent path crosses the Rupununi savanna with the Kanuku Mountains rising abruptly to the south, visible on the right side of the aircraft along with the winding Takutu River marking the Guyana-Brazil border. Notable sights include: Kanuku Mountains, Takutu River, Rupununi savanna grasslands, Ireng River.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Lethem?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lethem (LTM) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,988 miles (9,637 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Lethem flight path pass over?
Aegean Sea and Greek islands shortly after departure, then a long stretch of open Atlantic Ocean with no visible landmarks for several hours before reaching the Guyanese coastline and interior savanna.