About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Istanbul. While the left side wins at JFK departure with the Manhattan skyline, the right side delivers the more spectacular and sustained views across the Atlantic, over southern Greenland's ice sheet edge, and crucially the unforgettable arrival over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's historic skyline. The right side also tracks closer to the Alps during the European overland segment.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK typically departs eastward on runway 22L/22R or northward on 31L/31R. On the common eastbound departure, the left side faces north toward Manhattan, giving a clear view of the skyline, the East River bridges, and the full sweep of New York Harbor. The right side looks south over the Rockaways and open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk typically lands from the east on runway 06, meaning the aircraft approaches from over the Sea of Marmara. The right side faces south, giving a sustained view of the Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its distinctive skyline of domes and minarets. The left side looks north toward the relatively featureless European suburbs. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Historic Peninsula of Istanbul (Sultanahmet), Prince's Islands.
How long is the flight from New York to Istanbul?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 10 to 11 hours.
What does the New York to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over New England and Nova Scotia, then across the North Atlantic near the southern tip of Greenland where the ice cap edge may be visible. The flight crosses Ireland and southern England, then transits central Europe over Germany, Austria, and the northern edge of the Alps before crossing the Balkans — Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria — and descending toward the Black Sea coast and the Bosphorus into Istanbul.