Tunis to Istanbul is 1,036 miles (1,668 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
The left side wins overall because the cruise portion tracks north of the great-circle midpoint near Sicily and the southern Aegean, offering glimpses of Mount Etna's snow-capped cone and scattered Greek islands, landmarks entirely absent from the open-water right side over Libya and Crete's southern approaches.
Flight Path
Ionian Sea, Mount Etna and eastern Sicily, southern Aegean islands near Crete and the Cyclades
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TUN
LEFTDeparting TUN eastbound, the initial climb curves over the Gulf of Tunis, putting Tunis's white skyline, the ruins of Carthage, and the cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said on the left side of the aircraft. The Cap Bon peninsula also unfolds on that side as the plane climbs toward cruise altitude.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the south, the descent path tracks along the Sea of Marmara before turning north toward the runways, putting the Bosphorus Strait, the historic peninsula, and the Princes' Islands on the right side of the cabin. This gives a strong finale after a long Mediterranean crossing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Carthage (TUN) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tunis to Istanbul. The left side wins overall because the cruise portion tracks north of the great-circle midpoint near Sicily and the southern Aegean, offering glimpses of Mount Etna's snow-capped cone and scattered Greek islands, landmarks entirely absent from the open-water right side over Libya and Crete's southern approaches.
What can I see during takeoff from Carthage in Tunis?
During takeoff from Carthage (TUN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing TUN eastbound, the initial climb curves over the Gulf of Tunis, putting Tunis's white skyline, the ruins of Carthage, and the cliffside village of Sidi Bou Said on the left side of the aircraft. The Cap Bon peninsula also unfolds on that side as the plane climbs toward cruise altitude. Notable sights include: Tunis skyline, Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said cliffs, Cap Bon peninsula.
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 Airport from the south, the descent path tracks along the Sea of Marmara before turning north toward the runways, putting the Bosphorus Strait, the historic peninsula, and the Princes' Islands on the right side of the cabin. This gives a strong finale after a long Mediterranean crossing. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Tunis to Istanbul?
The flight from Carthage (TUN) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,036 miles (1,668 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tunis to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Ionian Sea, Mount Etna and eastern Sicily, southern Aegean islands near Crete and the Cyclades