The right side wins overall because the great-circle route from Singapore to Istanbul tracks northwest across India, Pakistan, Iran and eastern Turkey, keeping the Himalayan foothills, the Hindu Kush, and later the Zagros and eastern Anatolian ranges in view to the north. That mountainous backdrop, combined with the dramatic Bosphorus arrival, gives the right side far more sustained visual interest than the largely oceanic and desert views on the left.
Flight Path
Route passes over the Bay of Bengal, central and northern India near the Himalayan foothills, the Iranian plateau, and the mountains of eastern Anatolia before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SIN
LEFTDeparting Changi, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a last look at Singapore's skyline, the port terminals, and the Strait of Malacca shipping lanes before the aircraft heads out over Sumatra and the Indian Ocean.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the east, the right side offers views over the Bosphorus strait and the Sea of Marmara, with the historic peninsula and the twin continents split by water visible just before touchdown. This is one of the most recognizable urban approaches in the world.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Singapore Changi (SIN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Istanbul. The right side wins overall because the great-circle route from Singapore to Istanbul tracks northwest across India, Pakistan, Iran and eastern Turkey, keeping the Himalayan foothills, the Hindu Kush, and later the Zagros and eastern Anatolian ranges in view to the north. That mountainous backdrop, combined with the dramatic Bosphorus arrival, gives the right side far more sustained visual interest than the largely oceanic and desert views on the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Singapore Changi in Singapore?
During takeoff from Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Changi, the initial climb and turn toward the northwest give left-side passengers a last look at Singapore's skyline, the port terminals, and the Strait of Malacca shipping lanes before the aircraft heads out over Sumatra and the Indian Ocean. Notable sights include: Singapore CBD skyline, Sentosa Island, Strait of Malacca, Sumatra 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. On approach into Istanbul Airport from the east, the right side offers views over the Bosphorus strait and the Sea of Marmara, with the historic peninsula and the twin continents split by water visible just before touchdown. This is one of the most recognizable urban approaches in the world. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Istanbul?
The flight from Singapore Changi (SIN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 10h 55m.
What does the Singapore to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Bay of Bengal, central and northern India near the Himalayan foothills, the Iranian plateau, and the mountains of eastern Anatolia before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.