About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Vienna. The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight — the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic peninsula on departure. During the cruise, the left side also tracks closer to the Balkan mountain ranges and Lake Ohrid area as the route crosses Bulgaria and Serbia. The Vienna arrival on the right is good but relatively flat terrain. Left wins overall for the Istanbul departure alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. IST typically departs westbound on runway 06/24 or 17/35. A westbound departure puts the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula of old Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara on the left side. You get a sweeping view of the strait and the city's skyline as the aircraft banks northwest toward Europe. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, historic Istanbul peninsula (Sultanahmet/Hagia Sophia area), Prince's Islands.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Vienna Schwechat sits southeast of the city center, and aircraft typically approach from the east or southeast on runway 11/29 or 16/34. A southeast approach on runway 29 (landing westbound) puts the Vienna city center, the Danube, and the Vienna Woods on the right side as you descend. You see the urban layout of Vienna and the river clearly before touchdown. Notable sights include: Danube River and Danube Canal, Vienna city center, Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) on the western horizon, Lobau wetlands east of the city.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Vienna?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Schwechat (VIE) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
What does the Istanbul to Vienna flight path pass over?
The route crosses Bulgarian airspace over the Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina range), then transits Serbia over the Morava Valley. The Danube is briefly visible near Belgrade where the Sava confluence is a notable landmark. Crossing into Hungary the terrain flattens into the Pannonian Plain, with the Danube again visible near Budapest before descending into Austria.