Manila to Istanbul is 5,677 miles (9,137 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
While the Manila departure offers a nice bay-and-peninsula view, the Istanbul arrival's combination of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and the historic city skyline is a rarer and more visually rich sequence, giving the right side the edge for the full journey.
Flight Path
The route's midsection crosses southern China's mountainous Yunnan region, the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the arid basins of Xinjiang before continuing over the steppes of Kazakhstan and the northern Caspian Sea en route to Turkey.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTDeparting NAIA, the climb-out path curves over Manila Bay, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the bay's coastline, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's forested ridgeline rising beyond the water. The right side mostly shows Metro Manila's dense urban sprawl and Laguna de Bay, which is interesting but less dramatic.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArriving into Istanbul from the east, the descent path typically crosses the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus before turning onto final approach, putting the strait, the Golden Horn, and the Istanbul skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side during this turn mostly faces open farmland and the Thracian countryside west of the airport.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Istanbul. While the Manila departure offers a nice bay-and-peninsula view, the Istanbul arrival's combination of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and the historic city skyline is a rarer and more visually rich sequence, giving the right side the edge for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NAIA, the climb-out path curves over Manila Bay, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the bay's coastline, Corregidor Island, and the Bataan Peninsula's forested ridgeline rising beyond the water. The right side mostly shows Metro Manila's dense urban sprawl and Laguna de Bay, which is interesting but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula mountains, Cavite coastline.
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. Arriving into Istanbul from the east, the descent path typically crosses the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus before turning onto final approach, putting the strait, the Golden Horn, and the Istanbul skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side during this turn mostly faces open farmland and the Thracian countryside west of the airport. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Golden Horn, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline.
How long is the flight from Manila to Istanbul?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,677 miles (9,137 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route's midsection crosses southern China's mountainous Yunnan region, the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and the arid basins of Xinjiang before continuing over the steppes of Kazakhstan and the northern Caspian Sea en route to Turkey.