The right side provides more consistent scenic interest across the flight: a coastal English departure, occasional Alpine foothill and Balkan mountain glimpses during cruise, and a dramatic Istanbul/Sea of Marmara arrival, while the left side stays largely flat and featureless throughout.
Flown LGW to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Istanbul is 1,528 miles (2,460 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Rhine valley and German countryside, foothills of the Alps near Austria, the Danube River through Hungary and Serbia, and the Balkan mountain ranges of Bulgaria before descent toward the Sea of Marmara
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTDeparting LGW to the east, the right side offers views over the Sussex Downs and the English Channel coastline, with the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head sometimes visible before the climb continues over France. The left side shows mostly flat Home Counties suburbs and farmland.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach to Istanbul Airport, southerly-facing views reveal the Sea of Marmara and the dense urban sprawl of European Istanbul, including glimpses of the Bosphorus strait separating Europe and Asia. The left side typically shows the more rural Thrace countryside and Black Sea coastline further north, less visually striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Istanbul. The right side provides more consistent scenic interest across the flight: a coastal English departure, occasional Alpine foothill and Balkan mountain glimpses during cruise, and a dramatic Istanbul/Sea of Marmara arrival, while the left side stays largely flat and featureless throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LGW to the east, the right side offers views over the Sussex Downs and the English Channel coastline, with the chalk cliffs near Beachy Head sometimes visible before the climb continues over France. The left side shows mostly flat Home Counties suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: South Downs, English Channel, Sussex coastline, outskirts of London to the north.
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, southerly-facing views reveal the Sea of Marmara and the dense urban sprawl of European Istanbul, including glimpses of the Bosphorus strait separating Europe and Asia. The left side typically shows the more rural Thrace countryside and Black Sea coastline further north, less visually striking. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,528 miles (2,460 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Rhine valley and German countryside, foothills of the Alps near Austria, the Danube River through Hungary and Serbia, and the Balkan mountain ranges of Bulgaria before descent toward the Sea of Marmara