The left side offers a more complete visual story: a scenic coastal departure from Cyprus and, more importantly, a dramatic Istanbul approach featuring the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the city's skyline. The right side spends most of the flight over featureless Anatolian terrain or open water with little variation.
Flown LCA to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Larnaca to Istanbul is 516 miles (830 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Eastern Mediterranean Sea crossing followed by the southern Anatolian coastline and the interior Anatolian plateau before descending toward the Sea of Marmara
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCA
LEFTDeparting Larnaca on runway 22, the aircraft climbs out over the sea before banking north toward Turkey, giving left-side passengers a last look at the Cypriot coastline and the pale expanse of the Larnaca Salt Lake before the island falls away. The right side mostly shows open Mediterranean water during the turn.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach to Istanbul from the south, the aircraft typically tracks over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting the city's skyline, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline on the left side. The right side during this turn mainly faces inland Thrace, which is flatter and less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Larnaca (LCA) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Larnaca to Istanbul. The left side offers a more complete visual story: a scenic coastal departure from Cyprus and, more importantly, a dramatic Istanbul approach featuring the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the city's skyline. The right side spends most of the flight over featureless Anatolian terrain or open water with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Larnaca in Larnaca?
During takeoff from Larnaca (LCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Larnaca on runway 22, the aircraft climbs out over the sea before banking north toward Turkey, giving left-side passengers a last look at the Cypriot coastline and the pale expanse of the Larnaca Salt Lake before the island falls away. The right side mostly shows open Mediterranean water during the turn. Notable sights include: Larnaca Salt Lake, Larnaca Bay coastline, Cyprus coastal plain.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Istanbul from the south, the aircraft typically tracks over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the north-south runways, putting the city's skyline, the Bosphorus strait, and the Marmara coastline on the left side. The right side during this turn mainly faces inland Thrace, which is flatter and less distinctive. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul's European skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Larnaca to Istanbul?
The flight from Larnaca (LCA) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 516 miles (830 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Larnaca to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean Sea crossing followed by the southern Anatolian coastline and the interior Anatolian plateau before descending toward the Sea of Marmara