Istanbul to Tbilisi flight pathISTTBS

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 05m
Distance839
Heading083° → 094°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 3.5 left·★ 3.0 right

While takeoff favors the right side for Istanbul's cityscape, the left side wins overall thanks to the Pontic Mountains and Black Sea coastline glimpsed during cruise plus the dramatic Caucasus approach into Tbilisi.

Flown IST to TBS? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Istanbul to Tbilisi is 839 miles (1,350 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.

Pontic Mountains along Turkey's northern coast, the Anatolian plateau, and the western foothills of the Lesser Caucasus as the route nears Georgia

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from IST

RIGHT

Departing IST, the climb typically banks south of the runways, giving a clear view over the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's historic peninsula before the aircraft turns east toward Georgia.

Bosphorus StraitSea of MarmaraIstanbul's historic peninsulaGolden Horn
IST İstanbul AirportHub for Turkish Airlines, AJet

Landing at TBS

LEFT

On approach into Tbilisi from the west, the descent reveals the Kura (Mtkvari) river valley flanked by the foothills of the Greater Caucasus to the north, giving strong terrain relief right before touchdown.

Greater Caucasus foothillsMtkvari River valleyTbilisi's hillside old townTrialeti ridges to the south
TBS Tbilisi International AirportHub for Georgian Airways

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Tbilisi. While takeoff favors the right side for Istanbul's cityscape, the left side wins overall thanks to the Pontic Mountains and Black Sea coastline glimpsed during cruise plus the dramatic Caucasus approach into Tbilisi.

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, the climb typically banks south of the runways, giving a clear view over the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's historic peninsula before the aircraft turns east toward Georgia. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Topkapi/Hagia Sophia area), Golden Horn.

What can I see when landing at Tbilisi International Airport in Tbilisi?

When landing at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Tbilisi from the west, the descent reveals the Kura (Mtkvari) river valley flanked by the foothills of the Greater Caucasus to the north, giving strong terrain relief right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Greater Caucasus foothills, Mtkvari (Kura) River valley, Tbilisi's hillside old town, Trialeti (Lesser Caucasus) ridges to the south.

How long is the flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi?

The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 839 miles (1,350 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Istanbul to Tbilisi flight path pass over?

Pontic Mountains along Turkey's northern coast, the Anatolian plateau, and the western foothills of the Lesser Caucasus as the route nears Georgia