While Sydney's harbour takeoff is a strong scenic opener, the right side accumulates more variety over the course of the flight — glimpses of the Indonesian archipelago, the Arabian Peninsula's coastline, and the Zagros and Taurus mountain ranges — before culminating in the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline on approach, giving it the edge over a full-flight comparison.
Flown SYD to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Istanbul is 9,304 miles (14,973 km), a flight of about 16 hours 40 minutes.
Crossing the Australian outback near the MacDonnell Ranges, the Timor Sea and Indonesian islands, a long stretch of open Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and Arabian Peninsula desert, the Zagros Mountains, and the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey before descending toward Istanbul.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTDeparting Sydney on the north-south runways, aircraft heading toward the northwest typically climb out over Botany Bay and then bank left toward the interior, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD skyline before the city falls away behind.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArriving from the southeast across Anatolia, aircraft descending into Istanbul Airport commonly cross the Sea of Marmara before turning to align with the northerly runways, putting the Bosphorus strait and the historic peninsula's 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 Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Istanbul. While Sydney's harbour takeoff is a strong scenic opener, the right side accumulates more variety over the course of the flight — glimpses of the Indonesian archipelago, the Arabian Peninsula's coastline, and the Zagros and Taurus mountain ranges — before culminating in the Bosphorus and Istanbul skyline on approach, giving it the edge over a full-flight comparison.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Sydney on the north-south runways, aircraft heading toward the northwest typically climb out over Botany Bay and then bank left toward the interior, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and CBD skyline before the city falls away behind. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Botany Bay, Sydney CBD skyline.
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. Arriving from the southeast across Anatolia, aircraft descending into Istanbul Airport commonly cross the Sea of Marmara before turning to align with the northerly runways, putting the Bosphorus strait and the historic peninsula's skyline on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Black Sea coastline in the distance.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Istanbul?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 16 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,304 miles (14,973 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Crossing the Australian outback near the MacDonnell Ranges, the Timor Sea and Indonesian islands, a long stretch of open Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and Arabian Peninsula desert, the Zagros Mountains, and the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey before descending toward Istanbul.