The right (south-facing) side captures the more dramatic terrain along this route: the Zagros Mountains and Persian Gulf coastline in the Middle East, the volcanic islands of Sumatra and Java over Indonesia, and the Blue Mountains and Botany Bay on the Sydney approach. The left side spends most of the flight over the comparatively featureless Iranian plateau, Central Asian desert basins, and open ocean.
Flown IST to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Sydney is 9,304 miles (14,973 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
Arabian Sea, southern tip of India or Sri Lanka, and the volcanic island chain of Sumatra and Java mark the approximate midpoint of the route.
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST toward the southeast, the right side offers a last glimpse of the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands, and the Bosphorus mouth as the aircraft climbs over the Anatolian coast. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside and Black Sea approaches with less definition.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTOn approach to Sydney from the west, the aircraft crosses the Blue Mountains escarpment before turning to align with the runway, and the southern-facing side reveals Botany Bay and the coastline near the airport. The northern side mostly shows suburban sprawl without the coastal drama.
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 Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Sydney. The right (south-facing) side captures the more dramatic terrain along this route: the Zagros Mountains and Persian Gulf coastline in the Middle East, the volcanic islands of Sumatra and Java over Indonesia, and the Blue Mountains and Botany Bay on the Sydney approach. The left side spends most of the flight over the comparatively featureless Iranian plateau, Central Asian desert basins, and open ocean.
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 southeast, the right side offers a last glimpse of the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands, and the Bosphorus mouth as the aircraft climbs over the Anatolian coast. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thracian countryside and Black Sea approaches with less definition. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Bosphorus entrance, Istanbul's southern districts.
What can I see when landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Sydney from the west, the aircraft crosses the Blue Mountains escarpment before turning to align with the runway, and the southern-facing side reveals Botany Bay and the coastline near the airport. The northern side mostly shows suburban sprawl without the coastal drama. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains escarpment, Botany Bay, Sydney's southern coastline, Kurnell Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Sydney?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,304 miles (14,973 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Sydney flight path pass over?
Arabian Sea, southern tip of India or Sri Lanka, and the volcanic island chain of Sumatra and Java mark the approximate midpoint of the route.