The right side benefits from a glimpse of the Thames estuary on departure, a likely view of the Alps and Adriatic coast during cruise, and a strong finish over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's skyline on approach, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless Northern European terrain throughout.
Flown STN to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Istanbul is 1,525 miles (2,455 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Route crosses Belgium and southern Germany, skirts the northern Alps near Austria, then passes over the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria) before descending toward the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STN
RIGHTDeparting Stansted on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest over the flat Essex countryside before turning onto its southeast routing, giving the right side a brief look back toward London's outer suburbs and the Thames estuary, while the left side shows only featureless farmland.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul, typical northerly-flow landings bring the aircraft in from the south over the Sea of Marmara before turning north to land, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense skyline on the right side of the cabin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Stansted (STN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Istanbul. The right side benefits from a glimpse of the Thames estuary on departure, a likely view of the Alps and Adriatic coast during cruise, and a strong finish over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's skyline on approach, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless Northern European terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Stansted in London?
During takeoff from Stansted (STN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Stansted on runway 22 the aircraft climbs southwest over the flat Essex countryside before turning onto its southeast routing, giving the right side a brief look back toward London's outer suburbs and the Thames estuary, while the left side shows only featureless farmland. Notable sights include: Essex farmland, distant Thames Estuary, London's eastern suburbs.
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, typical northerly-flow landings bring the aircraft in from the south over the Sea of Marmara before turning north to land, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Marmara coastline, and Istanbul's dense skyline on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul city skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from London to Istanbul?
The flight from Stansted (STN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,525 miles (2,455 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Route crosses Belgium and southern Germany, skirts the northern Alps near Austria, then passes over the Balkans (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria) before descending toward the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul.