While takeoff favors the left with Singapore's skyline, the right side wins overall because the long cruise phase passes north of the Himalayan foothills and the Zagros Mountains, and the Istanbul arrival delivers a dramatic Bosphorus and old-city view — both of which outweigh the shorter takeoff advantage.
Flown XSP to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Singapore to Istanbul is 5,385 miles (8,666 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
The great-circle path takes the aircraft over the Bay of Bengal, the northern Indian subcontinent near the Himalayan foothills, the Iranian plateau and Zagros Mountains, and the Anatolian plateau before descending toward Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from XSP
LEFTDeparting Seletar on runway 03, the aircraft climbs north before banking west toward the Strait of Malacca, putting Singapore's skyline, the Johor Strait, and the palm-fringed coastline on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the flatter northern suburbs and Johor state before the turn.
Landing at IST
RIGHTArrivals into Istanbul Airport from the east typically descend over the Black Sea coast and swing south along the Bosphorus before lining up on the northern runways, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the old city peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the airport's western approach lights.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seletar (XSP) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Istanbul. While takeoff favors the left with Singapore's skyline, the right side wins overall because the long cruise phase passes north of the Himalayan foothills and the Zagros Mountains, and the Istanbul arrival delivers a dramatic Bosphorus and old-city view — both of which outweigh the shorter takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Seletar in Singapore?
During takeoff from Seletar (XSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Seletar on runway 03, the aircraft climbs north before banking west toward the Strait of Malacca, putting Singapore's skyline, the Johor Strait, and the palm-fringed coastline on the left side of the cabin. The right side mostly shows the flatter northern suburbs and Johor state before the turn. Notable sights include: Singapore skyline (Marina Bay), Johor Strait, Straits of Malacca coastline, Seletar 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 Istanbul Airport from the east typically descend over the Black Sea coast and swing south along the Bosphorus before lining up on the northern runways, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the strait, the old city peninsula, and the Sea of Marmara. The left side mostly faces open farmland and the airport's western approach lights. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi area), Sea of Marmara, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Istanbul?
The flight from Seletar (XSP) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,385 miles (8,666 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Singapore to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The great-circle path takes the aircraft over the Bay of Bengal, the northern Indian subcontinent near the Himalayan foothills, the Iranian plateau and Zagros Mountains, and the Anatolian plateau before descending toward Istanbul.