The right side benefits from a stronger landing sequence over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's skyline, plus glimpses of Mediterranean islands like the Balearics and Sardinia during cruise, giving it a slight edge over the left side's Pyrenees-and-plains departure view.
Flight Path
Western Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands, Sardinia's coastline, and the Tyrrhenian Sea approaching the Italian peninsula near Naples before the route continues over the Ionian Sea toward Greece and the Aegean.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTDeparting Barajas in the typical north-flow configuration, the climb-out passes near the Sierra de Guadarrama, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the jagged granite peaks north of Madrid before the turn east. The right side mostly shows the flatter Meseta plain toward Toledo.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn the common southerly approach into Istanbul Airport, arrivals track north over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the 35-runways, putting the Bosphorus mouth, the historic peninsula, and the Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open water or inland Thrace farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Istanbul. The right side benefits from a stronger landing sequence over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's skyline, plus glimpses of Mediterranean islands like the Balearics and Sardinia during cruise, giving it a slight edge over the left side's Pyrenees-and-plains departure view.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Barajas in the typical north-flow configuration, the climb-out passes near the Sierra de Guadarrama, giving left-side passengers a clear view of the jagged granite peaks north of Madrid before the turn east. The right side mostly shows the flatter Meseta plain toward Toledo. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Madrid's northern suburbs, Jarama river valley.
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 the common southerly approach into Istanbul Airport, arrivals track north over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto final for the 35-runways, putting the Bosphorus mouth, the historic peninsula, and the Marmara coastline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open water or inland Thrace farmland. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus entrance, Istanbul's historic peninsula skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Istanbul?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 3h50m.
What does the Madrid to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Western Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands, Sardinia's coastline, and the Tyrrhenian Sea approaching the Italian peninsula near Naples before the route continues over the Ionian Sea toward Greece and the Aegean.