About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madinah to Istanbul. The right side wins overall. While the left side has a strong takeoff view over Madinah, the right side captures the Red Sea coastline during the early cruise phase as the route tracks northwest over the Hejaz, then delivers the spectacular Istanbul approach over the Marmara and Bosphorus — one of the great urban aerial approaches in the world.
What can I see during takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
During takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Left side for the best views. Madinah airport typically departs northward on runway 35, so the left (west) side gives you a clear view back over the city of Madinah and the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque complex, which is visually unmistakable from low altitude. The Hejaz Mountains rise to the west and southwest, providing dramatic rocky terrain as you climb out. Notable sights include: Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque) green dome complex, Hejaz Mountains ridgeline to the west, Madinah city grid and date palm groves in the Quba district.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Istanbul Ataturk airport approaches from the east over the Sea of Marmara on runway 06, placing the right (south) side over the open water and then the European shoreline of Istanbul. As you descend, the right side reveals the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Sultanahmet, and the Princes Islands in the Marmara. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara and Princes Islands, Bosphorus strait, Sultanahmet historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Galata Bridge and Golden Horn inlet.
How long is the flight from Madinah to Istanbul?
The flight from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Madinah to Istanbul flight path pass over?
After departing Madinah, the route crosses the northern Hejaz Mountains and the Tabuk plateau in northwestern Saudi Arabia. It then passes over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Sinai Peninsula, where the rocky triangular landmass is clearly visible from altitude. The route continues over the eastern Mediterranean, crossing the Turkish coast near Antalya and traversing the Anatolian plateau before descending toward Istanbul.