About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ataturk (IST) to Zanzibar (ZNZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Zanzibar. The right side wins overall. The departure view of the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's historic skyline, and the Bosphorus is one of the most spectacular urban departures in the world. During the flight the right side also faces west toward the Nile Valley as you cross northeastern Africa, and on descent the channel between Zanzibar and the mainland is visible. The left side's coral reef on landing is beautiful but briefer.
What can I see during takeoff from Ataturk in Istanbul?
During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk typically departs eastward on runway 06, so the right (south) side gives you the Sea of Marmara and the Istanbul city skyline including the historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The left side faces industrial suburbs and the northern outskirts. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet), Bosphorus strait, Prince's Islands.
What can I see when landing at Zanzibar in Zanzibar?
When landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Zanzibar Airport typically lands from the north on runway 18, approaching from the north over the island. The left (east) side gives you the turquoise Indian Ocean shallows and the coral reef fringing the eastern coast, while the right side faces the channel between Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland. Notable sights include: Indian Ocean coral reef shallows, Zanzibar Town (Stone Town) on the west coast, Zanzibar channel, turquoise lagoon fringing reefs.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Zanzibar?
The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) takes Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
What does the Istanbul to Zanzibar flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over Turkey and Syria, then down the Red Sea corridor or across northeastern Africa. Key features include the Eastern Mediterranean coast, the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea if routing that way, the Ethiopian Highlands appearing as a deeply dissected brown plateau, and the flat semi-arid lowlands of Kenya and Tanzania before the coast. The Nile Delta may be visible on the right side depending on exact routing. Cloud cover over the Ethiopian Highlands is common.