The left side wins on both ends of the flight: the Peak District's hills add drama to the Manchester departure, and the Marmara approach with the Princes' Islands and Istanbul's shoreline gives a strong scenic finish, edging out the flatter Cheshire and Asian-side suburban views on the right.
Flown MAN to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manchester to Istanbul is 1,656 miles (2,665 km), a flight of about 4 hours 5 minutes.
The route crosses southern England and the Channel, then transits Belgium and Germany before angling southeast over Austria's alpine foothills and the Balkan ranges of Serbia and Bulgaria, finally crossing Turkish Thrace toward the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAN
LEFTDeparting Manchester on runway 23 the aircraft banks south-east toward the Continent, putting the moorland ridges of the Peak District National Park in view on the left as the city recedes to the right. The rolling gritstone edges and reservoirs give more visual interest than the flat Cheshire Plain seen from the right.
Landing at IST
LEFTWith a northerly wind flow, arrivals into Istanbul commonly land on runway 35, approaching from the south over the Sea of Marmara. On the left side passengers get a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and, further on, the historic silhouette of Istanbul's European shoreline near the Bosphorus mouth before the airport's Black Sea-facing runways come into view.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Manchester (MAN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manchester to Istanbul. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: the Peak District's hills add drama to the Manchester departure, and the Marmara approach with the Princes' Islands and Istanbul's shoreline gives a strong scenic finish, edging out the flatter Cheshire and Asian-side suburban views on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Manchester in Manchester?
During takeoff from Manchester (MAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Manchester on runway 23 the aircraft banks south-east toward the Continent, putting the moorland ridges of the Peak District National Park in view on the left as the city recedes to the right. The rolling gritstone edges and reservoirs give more visual interest than the flat Cheshire Plain seen from the right. Notable sights include: Peak District moors and gritstone edges, Kinder Scout plateau, Cheshire Plain patchwork fields, Manchester's outer suburbs fading north.
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. With a northerly wind flow, arrivals into Istanbul commonly land on runway 35, approaching from the south over the Sea of Marmara. On the left side passengers get a sweeping view of the Princes' Islands and, further on, the historic silhouette of Istanbul's European shoreline near the Bosphorus mouth before the airport's Black Sea-facing runways come into view. Notable sights include: Princes' Islands (Adalar), Sea of Marmara coastline, distant Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul's European shoreline skyline.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Istanbul?
The flight from Manchester (MAN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 4 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,656 miles (2,665 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manchester to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern England and the Channel, then transits Belgium and Germany before angling southeast over Austria's alpine foothills and the Balkan ranges of Serbia and Bulgaria, finally crossing Turkish Thrace toward the Sea of Marmara.