The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's waterways and islands at takeoff, and a partial Paris skyline view on arrival — while cruise-phase views over the Balkans and Alps also lean southward, favoring the left side over the largely featureless right-side views of Central Europe's plains.
Flown IST to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Paris is 1,379 miles (2,219 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses Bulgaria and Serbia, skirts north of the Adriatic Sea, and passes near the Julian Alps and Dolomites in northern Italy/Slovenia before continuing over eastern France toward Paris.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
LEFTDeparting IST, the climb-out and initial turn typically swings over the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Bosphorus mouth, the historic peninsula, and the Princes' Islands before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track.
Landing at ORY
LEFTOn approach into Orly from the east, arrivals often loop south of Paris before turning north onto final, briefly exposing left-side passengers to the Paris skyline, the Seine's bends, and the green sweep of the Fontainebleau forest to the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Paris. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Istanbul's waterways and islands at takeoff, and a partial Paris skyline view on arrival — while cruise-phase views over the Balkans and Alps also lean southward, favoring the left side over the largely featureless right-side views of Central Europe's plains.
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 typically swings over the Sea of Marmara, giving left-side passengers a good look at the Bosphorus mouth, the historic peninsula, and the Princes' Islands before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Princes' Islands, Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Orly from the east, arrivals often loop south of Paris before turning north onto final, briefly exposing left-side passengers to the Paris skyline, the Seine's bends, and the green sweep of the Fontainebleau forest to the south. Notable sights include: Paris skyline (Eiffel Tower area), Seine River bends, Fontainebleau forest, Orly's surrounding suburbs.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Paris?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Orly (ORY) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,379 miles (2,219 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Paris flight path pass over?
The route crosses Bulgaria and Serbia, skirts north of the Adriatic Sea, and passes near the Julian Alps and Dolomites in northern Italy/Slovenia before continuing over eastern France toward Paris.