The left side wins narrowly thanks to the dramatic volcanic scenery during the Mauritius departure, which offers sharper terrain contrast than the otherwise flat, ocean- and cloud-obscured cruise over East Africa; the right side's advantage is confined mainly to the Istanbul approach.
Flown MRU to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Plaisance to Istanbul is 4,650 miles (7,483 km), a flight of about 9 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses the Mozambique Channel, the highlands of Tanzania and Kenya near Mount Kilimanjaro's region, the Ethiopian Highlands, the Nile Valley through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea before reaching the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolian coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MRU
LEFTDeparting MRU on runway 14 (southeast heading), the aircraft banks left to turn north toward Africa, swinging the left side toward Mauritius's volcanic interior — the jagged peaks of Black River Gorges and the dramatic monolith of Le Morne Brabant near the coast. The right side only shows open Indian Ocean during this turn.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into IST from the south typically track up over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto a northerly runway (35s), putting Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus mouth, and the historic peninsula on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. The left side mostly faces open water or featureless Thracian farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Plaisance to Istanbul. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the dramatic volcanic scenery during the Mauritius departure, which offers sharper terrain contrast than the otherwise flat, ocean- and cloud-obscured cruise over East Africa; the right side's advantage is confined mainly to the Istanbul approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International in Plaisance?
During takeoff from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MRU on runway 14 (southeast heading), the aircraft banks left to turn north toward Africa, swinging the left side toward Mauritius's volcanic interior — the jagged peaks of Black River Gorges and the dramatic monolith of Le Morne Brabant near the coast. The right side only shows open Indian Ocean during this turn. Notable sights include: Black River Gorges National Park, Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius's southwest coral reefs, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
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. Arrivals into IST from the south typically track up over the Sea of Marmara before turning onto a northerly runway (35s), putting Istanbul's skyline, the Bosphorus mouth, and the historic peninsula on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. The left side mostly faces open water or featureless Thracian farmland. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait entrance, Istanbul historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapı area), Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Plaisance to Istanbul?
The flight from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,650 miles (7,483 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Plaisance to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mozambique Channel, the highlands of Tanzania and Kenya near Mount Kilimanjaro's region, the Ethiopian Highlands, the Nile Valley through Sudan and Egypt, and the Red Sea before reaching the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolian coast.