About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Madinah. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara departure views, which are genuinely iconic and hard to beat. The landing views on the left are interesting but the Hejaz terrain is relatively uniform. Right-side passengers also get views over the Red Sea coast and Hejaz foothills during the cruise descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. IST typically departs eastward on runway 06, so the right (south) side gives you a clear view over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait as you climb out. You'll see the historic peninsula of Istanbul with its dense urban fabric and the water separating Europe from Asia. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area), Prince Islands in the Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
When landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Left side for the best views. MED typically lands from the west on runway 35 or from the north, with approaches over the Hejaz terrain. The left (west) side gives views over the Hejaz Mountains and the approach toward Madinah city itself, including the distinctive urban layout around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. The right side faces open desert with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Hejaz Mountains to the west, Madinah city center and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi complex, Harrat Rahat volcanic lava field to the south, arid Hejaz plateau.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Madinah?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Istanbul to Madinah flight path pass over?
The route crosses southeastern Turkey and then the northern Syrian/Iraqi border region, passing over the arid Syrian steppe and the Euphrates River valley. It then tracks south over the Arabian Peninsula interior, crossing the Nafud desert before descending toward the Hejaz region. The Red Sea coast may be visible to the right during descent. The terrain transitions from Mediterranean scrubland to open steppe to true desert over the course of the flight.