The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a strong Montreal skyline departure and a spectacular Bosphorus/Istanbul arrival — while cruise-phase scenery is comparably oceanic on both sides.
Flown YUL to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Istanbul is 4,776 miles (7,686 km), a flight of about 9 hours 25 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's coastline, and the Norwegian Sea approaching Northern Europe
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTDeparting on the southwest-facing runways, the aircraft's initial climb and left turn toward the northeast put Montreal's skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and its islands on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter Laurentian foothills receding into haze.
Landing at IST
RIGHTOn approach into Istanbul from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the right side offers views of the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula with its mosques, and the Marmara coastline as the aircraft banks toward the northern runways. The left side mainly shows featureless Thracian farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Istanbul. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — a strong Montreal skyline departure and a spectacular Bosphorus/Istanbul arrival — while cruise-phase scenery is comparably oceanic on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing on the southwest-facing runways, the aircraft's initial climb and left turn toward the northeast put Montreal's skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and its islands on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter Laurentian foothills receding into haze. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Downtown Montreal skyline, Mount Royal, Ile Notre-Dame/Ile Sainte-Helene.
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 from the south over the Sea of Marmara, the right side offers views of the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula with its mosques, and the Marmara coastline as the aircraft banks toward the northern runways. The left side mainly shows featureless Thracian farmland. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Blue Mosque skyline), Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Istanbul?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,776 miles (7,686 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Istanbul flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern tip of Greenland's coastline, and the Norwegian Sea approaching Northern Europe