The right side combines a Caucasus-foothills departure with a Bosphorus-and-Istanbul-skyline arrival, giving far more dramatic and varied scenery than the left side's plainer terrain views.
Flown TBS to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tbilisi to Istanbul is 839 miles (1,350 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Pontic Mountains and the Anatolian plateau, with occasional glimpses of the Black Sea coastline near Samsun on clear days
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TBS
RIGHTDeparting TBS, the climb-out gives a view north toward the Caucasus foothills and the Mtkvari (Kura) River valley cutting through Tbilisi, while the left side mostly shows flatter Georgian countryside.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into IST from the east typically track along the Black Sea coast before turning south, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Istanbul skyline on the right side during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tbilisi to Istanbul. The right side combines a Caucasus-foothills departure with a Bosphorus-and-Istanbul-skyline arrival, giving far more dramatic and varied scenery than the left side's plainer terrain views.
What can I see during takeoff from Tbilisi International Airport in Tbilisi?
During takeoff from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing TBS, the climb-out gives a view north toward the Caucasus foothills and the Mtkvari (Kura) River valley cutting through Tbilisi, while the left side mostly shows flatter Georgian countryside. Notable sights include: Tbilisi cityscape, Mtkvari River valley, Caucasus foothills, Tbilisi Sea reservoir.
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 east typically track along the Black Sea coast before turning south, putting the Bosphorus strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Istanbul skyline on the right side during final descent. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul skyline, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Tbilisi to Istanbul?
The flight from Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 839 miles (1,350 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tbilisi to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Pontic Mountains and the Anatolian plateau, with occasional glimpses of the Black Sea coastline near Samsun on clear days