The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's Bosphorus and historic skyline during takeoff, and Malta's harbor city and Gozo island during landing, plus better sightlines toward the Aegean islands and Crete during cruise.
Flight Path
The route crosses the southern Aegean Sea near Crete, then continues over the open Mediterranean and Ionian Sea before reaching Malta, with occasional visibility of Greek islands like Kythira or the Cyclades depending on exact routing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, the climb-out and initial turn toward the southwest put Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter European Thrace countryside north of the city.
Landing at MLA
LEFTOn approach into MLA from the north, the aircraft typically banks to align with the runway, giving passengers on the left a view of Malta's dramatic coastline, the Valletta Grand Harbour, and the neighboring island of Gozo just before touchdown.
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 Luqa (MLA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Malta. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Istanbul's Bosphorus and historic skyline during takeoff, and Malta's harbor city and Gozo island during landing, plus better sightlines toward the Aegean islands and Crete during cruise.
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, the climb-out and initial turn toward the southwest put Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the flatter European Thrace countryside north of the city. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Topkapi/Hagia Sophia area), Princes' Islands, Sea of Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Luqa in Malta?
When landing at Luqa (MLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MLA from the north, the aircraft typically banks to align with the runway, giving passengers on the left a view of Malta's dramatic coastline, the Valletta Grand Harbour, and the neighboring island of Gozo just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Valletta and the Grand Harbour, Sliema/St. Julian's coastline, Gozo and Comino islands, limestone cliffs of Malta's northern coast.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Malta?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Luqa (MLA) takes 3h 30m.
What does the Istanbul to Malta flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern Aegean Sea near Crete, then continues over the open Mediterranean and Ionian Sea before reaching Malta, with occasional visibility of Greek islands like Kythira or the Cyclades depending on exact routing.