The right side wins because it captures both scenic endpoints: the Lisbon waterfront and Atlantic coast at departure, and the Marmara Sea approach with Istanbul's skyline at arrival. It also faces the Mediterranean side during cruise, offering glimpses of Spanish coastline, Balearic waters, and Italian or Greek coastal outlines depending on routing, while the left side stays over interior plains and the Balkans with less variety.
Flight Path
Flight path crosses central Spain near Madrid, then the western Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, continuing over southern Italy or the Ionian Sea before crossing the Aegean and entering Turkish airspace near the Sea of Marmara.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
RIGHTDeparting LIS toward the north then turning east, the right side gives passengers a last look at the Tagus estuary, the Lisbon waterfront, and the Atlantic coastline near Cascais and Sintra before the climb turns inland. The left side mostly shows the flatter Portuguese interior.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into IST from the west over the Sea of Marmara, the right side typically offers views of the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and glimpses of Istanbul's sprawling skyline and the mouth of the Bosphorus before touchdown. The left side faces more open, featureless terrain north of the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Istanbul. The right side wins because it captures both scenic endpoints: the Lisbon waterfront and Atlantic coast at departure, and the Marmara Sea approach with Istanbul's skyline at arrival. It also faces the Mediterranean side during cruise, offering glimpses of Spanish coastline, Balearic waters, and Italian or Greek coastal outlines depending on routing, while the left side stays over interior plains and the Balkans with less variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LIS toward the north then turning east, the right side gives passengers a last look at the Tagus estuary, the Lisbon waterfront, and the Atlantic coastline near Cascais and Sintra before the climb turns inland. The left side mostly shows the flatter Portuguese interior. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon historic center, Sintra hills, Atlantic coastline near Cascais.
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 into IST from the west over the Sea of Marmara, the right side typically offers views of the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and glimpses of Istanbul's sprawling skyline and the mouth of the Bosphorus before touchdown. The left side faces more open, featureless terrain north of the airport. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus entrance.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Istanbul?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 5h 30m.
What does the Lisbon to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses central Spain near Madrid, then the western Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands and Sardinia, continuing over southern Italy or the Ionian Sea before crossing the Aegean and entering Turkish airspace near the Sea of Marmara.