The right side captures the Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus at departure plus the Alps looming over the Po Valley on arrival, giving it more consistent dramatic scenery than the left side's more open Aegean and Adriatic water views.
Flown IST to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Milano is 1,044 miles (1,681 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Northern Aegean coastline, Albanian and Greek mountain ranges, Adriatic Sea crossing, Apennine foothills of northern Italy
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST toward the west, the right side offers views back over the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara shoreline, and the dense Istanbul skyline as the aircraft climbs out over the European side of the city.
Landing at MXP
RIGHTOn approach into Malpensa from the south over the Po Valley, the right side faces north toward the Alps, giving passengers a dramatic mountain backdrop as the plane descends into the flat Lombard plain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Milano. The right side captures the Istanbul cityscape and Bosphorus at departure plus the Alps looming over the Po Valley on arrival, giving it more consistent dramatic scenery than the left side's more open Aegean and Adriatic water views.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST toward the west, the right side offers views back over the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara shoreline, and the dense Istanbul skyline as the aircraft climbs out over the European side of the city. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Istanbul city skyline, Sea of Marmara.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Malpensa from the south over the Po Valley, the right side faces north toward the Alps, giving passengers a dramatic mountain backdrop as the plane descends into the flat Lombard plain. Notable sights include: Italian Alps foothills, Lombardy plain, Ticino River, Lake Maggiore edge.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Milano?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,044 miles (1,681 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Milano flight path pass over?
Northern Aegean coastline, Albanian and Greek mountain ranges, Adriatic Sea crossing, Apennine foothills of northern Italy