The right side wins because the long cruise segment tracks past the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea's southern shoreline, and then the Tian Shan, Pamir, and Kunlun ranges bordering the Tibetan Plateau — a dramatic, ever-changing mountain panorama. The left side spends most of the flight over flatter Central Asian steppe and featureless stretches of China before the coast.
Flown IST to TPE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Taipei is 5,219 miles (8,398 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
Caspian Sea's southern coast, Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, Taklamakan Desert, northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau near the Kunlun Mountains
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST, the initial turn onto the eastbound track swings the aircraft south and right over the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline before settling on course toward the Caucasus. This gives right-side passengers a brief but classic view of the city and its waterways during climb-out.
Landing at TPE
RIGHTOn approach into TPE, the descent path curves down over northern Taiwan's coastline and the foothills of the Central Mountain Range before lining up with the runway. Right-side passengers get a good look at the rugged coastal terrain and green ridgelines rather than just the flatter Taoyuan plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Taipei. The right side wins because the long cruise segment tracks past the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea's southern shoreline, and then the Tian Shan, Pamir, and Kunlun ranges bordering the Tibetan Plateau — a dramatic, ever-changing mountain panorama. The left side spends most of the flight over flatter Central Asian steppe and featureless stretches of China before the coast.
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 initial turn onto the eastbound track swings the aircraft south and right over the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline before settling on course toward the Caucasus. This gives right-side passengers a brief but classic view of the city and its waterways during climb-out. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into TPE, the descent path curves down over northern Taiwan's coastline and the foothills of the Central Mountain Range before lining up with the runway. Right-side passengers get a good look at the rugged coastal terrain and green ridgelines rather than just the flatter Taoyuan plain. Notable sights include: Taiwan's northern coastline, Yangmingshan foothills, Taipei basin, Taiwan Strait.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Taipei?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,219 miles (8,398 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Taipei flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea's southern coast, Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges, Taklamakan Desert, northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau near the Kunlun Mountains