About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Makedonia (SKG) to Ataturk (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Thessaloniki to Istanbul. Left side wins both ends of this flight. At takeoff you get Thessaloniki's urban waterfront and the Chortiatis hills; at landing you get the full panorama of Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn. The right side offers open water at both ends with little of interest.
What can I see during takeoff from Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
During takeoff from Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Makedonia Airport's primary departure runway 16 sends aircraft southeast over the Thermaic Gulf. The left side captures the city of Thessaloniki spread along the waterfront, the White Tower district, and the urban grid backing up against the hills. Right side gets open water and not much else. Notable sights include: Thessaloniki waterfront and White Tower area, Thermaic Gulf, Mount Chortiatis rising behind the city, Thessaloniki port and industrial harbor.
What can I see when landing at Ataturk in Istanbul?
When landing at Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ataturk Airport's dominant arrival runway 06 brings aircraft in from the west over the Sea of Marmara. Left side seats look north over the European side of Istanbul — the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula with Sultanahmet, Galata, and the dense urban fabric of Beyoglu. Right side faces south over open Marmara water and the Princes Islands. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, historic Sultanahmet peninsula (Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque silhouettes), Galata Bridge and Golden Horn, Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
How long is the flight from Thessaloniki to Istanbul?
The flight from Makedonia (SKG) to Ataturk (IST) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the Thessaloniki to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast across the northern Aegean, passing over or near the Kavala coastline and the island of Thasos early in the climb, then crossing into Thrace over the flat agricultural plains of northeastern Greece and European Turkey. The Evros River delta and the city of Alexandroupolis may be visible to the south. The route then crosses the low rolling hills of Turkish Thrace before descending toward Istanbul. No significant mountain ranges are crossed — the terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling throughout the middle portion of the flight.