While the left side wins at takeoff for the Paris overview, the right side delivers the more dramatic payoff: over the Balkans you get views of the Rhodope Mountains and Greek Thrace, and the Istanbul arrival on the right is genuinely one of the great urban approaches in aviation, with the Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the historic skyline all visible in sequence.
Flight Path
The route tracks southeast over the Alps' eastern edge near Switzerland, then crosses northern Italy or Slovenia, continues over the Adriatic Sea, cuts across northern Greece and Thrace passing near the Rhodope Mountains, crosses the northern Aegean coastline, and descends over the Sea of Marmara toward Istanbul. The Adriatic crossing and the Rhodope highland terrain are the most visually distinctive mid-flight features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Istanbul. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Paris overview, the right side delivers the more dramatic payoff: over the Balkans you get views of the Rhodope Mountains and Greek Thrace, and the Istanbul arrival on the right is genuinely one of the great urban approaches in aviation, with the Marmara, the Bosphorus, and the historic skyline all visible in sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Orly typically departs eastward on runway 08, so the left (north) side gives you a clear view over central Paris as you climb out. You'll see the Seine snaking through the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the dense urban grid of the arrondissements before the city gives way to the eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Seine River bends through central Paris, Eiffel Tower, Bois de Vincennes, La Défense business district on the far northwestern horizon.
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 primary landing approach from the west uses runway 06, meaning aircraft approach from over the Sea of Marmara heading northeast. The right (south) side gives you the best view of the Marmara coastline, the Bosphorus strait, and the historic peninsula of old Istanbul with its distinctive skyline of minarets and domes. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, historic peninsula with Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes, Princes' Islands in the Marmara.
How long is the flight from Paris to Istanbul?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Paris to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the Alps' eastern edge near Switzerland, then crosses northern Italy or Slovenia, continues over the Adriatic Sea, cuts across northern Greece and Thrace passing near the Rhodope Mountains, crosses the northern Aegean coastline, and descends over the Sea of Marmara toward Istanbul. The Adriatic crossing and the Rhodope highland terrain are the most visually distinctive mid-flight features.