Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Ukraine and Romania the right side also faces generally westward giving views of the Carpathian foothills as the route passes near them, while the left side faces flat eastern plains. The Istanbul approach on the right is one of the great urban aerial views in aviation.
Flight Path
The route crosses southern Belarus and then Ukraine, passing over or near Kyiv's general region, then tracks southwest over central Ukraine's agricultural flatlands. As the flight enters Romania it passes north of the Carpathian arc, where the eastern Carpathian ridgelines may be visible on the right side. The route then crosses Bulgaria's rolling terrain and the Balkan ranges before descending toward the Black Sea coast and turning southwest toward Istanbul over Thrace.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
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 Minsk 1 (MHP) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minsk to Istanbul. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Ukraine and Romania the right side also faces generally westward giving views of the Carpathian foothills as the route passes near them, while the left side faces flat eastern plains. The Istanbul approach on the right is one of the great urban aerial views in aviation.
What can I see during takeoff from Minsk 1 in Minsk?
During takeoff from Minsk 1 (MHP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Minsk-1 is a city-center airport. Departures typically head southwest or south. The right side gives you a clear view over central Minsk including the wide Soviet-era boulevards of Independence Avenue and the city's distinctive Stalinist architecture radiating outward. Left side faces industrial outskirts. Notable sights include: Independence Avenue (Prospekt Nezavisimosti), Minsk city center grid, Svislach River bends through the city, Victory Square obelisk area.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ataturk Airport's main runway 06/24 means arrivals from the northeast typically land heading southwest on runway 24. On right side approach you get a sweeping view of the Bosphorus strait, the Golden Horn, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its distinctive skyline. Left side faces the Sea of Marmara and southern suburbs. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn inlet, Historic Peninsula with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Galata Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Minsk to Istanbul?
The flight from Minsk 1 (MHP) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Minsk to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses southern Belarus and then Ukraine, passing over or near Kyiv's general region, then tracks southwest over central Ukraine's agricultural flatlands. As the flight enters Romania it passes north of the Carpathian arc, where the eastern Carpathian ridgelines may be visible on the right side. The route then crosses Bulgaria's rolling terrain and the Balkan ranges before descending toward the Black Sea coast and turning southwest toward Istanbul over Thrace.