The left side wins because it captures the most distinctive moments of the journey - the atoll geography at departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline at arrival - while the right side offers mostly featureless ocean and desert throughout the long cruise.
Flown MLE to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Male to Istanbul is 3,768 miles (6,065 km), a flight of about 7 hours 50 minutes.
The great-circle path crosses the Arabian Sea, the Arabian Peninsula's desert interior near Oman and Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea's northern reaches, and the arid plateaus of Jordan before reaching the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey.
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_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLE
LEFTDeparting MLE on runway 36, the initial climb curves over Male's crowded island and the turquoise reefs of North Male Atoll, which are most visible on the left as the aircraft banks northwest toward the mainland route. The right side mostly shows open ocean with fewer atoll formations.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into IST from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the final turn onto the north-south runway brings the historic Istanbul peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's skyline into view on the left side. The right side during this turn faces mostly open water or the less distinctive northern suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Male International (MLE) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Male to Istanbul. The left side wins because it captures the most distinctive moments of the journey - the atoll geography at departure and the Bosphorus/Istanbul skyline at arrival - while the right side offers mostly featureless ocean and desert throughout the long cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Male International in Male?
During takeoff from Male International (MLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MLE on runway 36, the initial climb curves over Male's crowded island and the turquoise reefs of North Male Atoll, which are most visible on the left as the aircraft banks northwest toward the mainland route. The right side mostly shows open ocean with fewer atoll formations. Notable sights include: Male city island, North Male Atoll lagoons, Hulhule Island runway, scattered coral reefs.
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. On approach into IST from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the final turn onto the north-south runway brings the historic Istanbul peninsula, the Bosphorus strait, and the city's skyline into view on the left side. The right side during this turn faces mostly open water or the less distinctive northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara coastline, Istanbul historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia area), Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Male to Istanbul?
The flight from Male International (MLE) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 7 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,768 miles (6,065 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Male to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The great-circle path crosses the Arabian Sea, the Arabian Peninsula's desert interior near Oman and Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea's northern reaches, and the arid plateaus of Jordan before reaching the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey.