The right side wins on both ends of this short flight — dramatic coastal and mountain scenery during the Thessaloniki departure, and a rare glimpse of the Marmara coast and Istanbul's skyline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat inland terrain throughout.
Flown SKG to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Thessaloniki to Istanbul is 305 miles (491 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The route crosses the plains of Greek and Turkish Thrace, passing near the Rhodope foothills before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SKG
RIGHTDeparting SKG on runway 10, the climb-out tracks over the Thermaikos Gulf with Mount Olympus and the Pieria mountains visible to the south, plus the Halkidiki peninsula stretching into the Aegean. The left side mainly shows the flatter Macedonian plain and Thessaloniki's outer suburbs.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into IST from the southwest typically cross the Sea of Marmara before turning onto the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and the edge of Istanbul's sprawling skyline near the Bosphorus. The left side mostly faces inland Thracian farmland with no major landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Makedonia (SKG) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Thessaloniki to Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends of this short flight — dramatic coastal and mountain scenery during the Thessaloniki departure, and a rare glimpse of the Marmara coast and Istanbul's skyline on arrival, while the left side offers only flat inland terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
During takeoff from Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SKG on runway 10, the climb-out tracks over the Thermaikos Gulf with Mount Olympus and the Pieria mountains visible to the south, plus the Halkidiki peninsula stretching into the Aegean. The left side mainly shows the flatter Macedonian plain and Thessaloniki's outer suburbs. Notable sights include: Thermaikos Gulf, Mount Olympus, Halkidiki Peninsula, Thessaloniki 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. Arrivals into IST from the southwest typically cross the Sea of Marmara before turning onto the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Marmara coastline, the Princes' Islands, and the edge of Istanbul's sprawling skyline near the Bosphorus. The left side mostly faces inland Thracian farmland with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus strait.
How long is the flight from Thessaloniki to Istanbul?
The flight from Makedonia (SKG) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 305 miles (491 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Thessaloniki to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses the plains of Greek and Turkish Thrace, passing near the Rhodope foothills before descending toward the Sea of Marmara.