The right side tracks closer to the Great Rift Valley lakes, the Nile corridor through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea coastline, then finishes with the Istanbul approach over the Sea of Marmara. The left side spends more time over the featureless Congo-Zambia borderlands and open Mediterranean.
Flown JNB to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Istanbul is 4,658 miles (7,496 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
Great Rift Valley and Lake Victoria basin, Ethiopian highlands, the Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea coastline before crossing into the eastern Mediterranean toward Turkey
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
RIGHTDeparting JNB northbound, the right side gives a brief glimpse of the Magaliesberg range and Pretoria's northern suburbs before the climb levels off over the Highveld plateau. The left side mostly shows flat grassland and mining land west of Johannesburg.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to Istanbul Airport from the south, the right side of the aircraft typically faces east toward the Sea of Marmara and the historic Istanbul peninsula, giving passengers a view of the Bosphorus mouth and the city's minarets before touchdown. The left side mostly shows open water and the Thracian countryside.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Istanbul. The right side tracks closer to the Great Rift Valley lakes, the Nile corridor through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea coastline, then finishes with the Istanbul approach over the Sea of Marmara. The left side spends more time over the featureless Congo-Zambia borderlands and open Mediterranean.
What can I see during takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing JNB northbound, the right side gives a brief glimpse of the Magaliesberg range and Pretoria's northern suburbs before the climb levels off over the Highveld plateau. The left side mostly shows flat grassland and mining land west of Johannesburg. Notable sights include: Pretoria skyline, Magaliesberg range, Highveld plateau, Hartbeespoort Dam area.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul Airport from the south, the right side of the aircraft typically faces east toward the Sea of Marmara and the historic Istanbul peninsula, giving passengers a view of the Bosphorus mouth and the city's minarets before touchdown. The left side mostly shows open water and the Thracian countryside. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Bosphorus strait entrance, Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,658 miles (7,496 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Great Rift Valley and Lake Victoria basin, Ethiopian highlands, the Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea coastline before crossing into the eastern Mediterranean toward Turkey