The great-circle route north over Quebec, southern Greenland, and Iceland puts genuinely dramatic terrain—glaciated coastlines and volcanic highlands—on the left side during cruise, and the Bosphorus arrival reinforces that side on landing. The right side spends most of the flight over open ocean with only distant, flatter European terrain later on.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, the Denmark Strait, and the rugged coastline of Iceland are visible along the great-circle track before the route curves southeast toward continental Europe.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTDeparting YYZ on a northeasterly heading, the initial turn puts Toronto's downtown skyline and the Lake Ontario shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the CN Tower and harbor before the climb turns the city into a receding patchwork.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the north, arriving flights often track down over the Black Sea coastline before turning onto final, putting the Bosphorus strait and the sprawling city of Istanbul on the left side of the cabin. The mix of water, bridges, and dense urban fabric makes for a dramatic final descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Istanbul. The great-circle route north over Quebec, southern Greenland, and Iceland puts genuinely dramatic terrain—glaciated coastlines and volcanic highlands—on the left side during cruise, and the Bosphorus arrival reinforces that side on landing. The right side spends most of the flight over open ocean with only distant, flatter European terrain later on.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YYZ on a northeasterly heading, the initial turn puts Toronto's downtown skyline and the Lake Ontario shoreline on the right side of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the CN Tower and harbor before the climb turns the city into a receding patchwork. Notable sights include: Toronto skyline and CN Tower, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Billy Bishop waterfront.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Istanbul Airport from the north, arriving flights often track down over the Black Sea coastline before turning onto final, putting the Bosphorus strait and the sprawling city of Istanbul on the left side of the cabin. The mix of water, bridges, and dense urban fabric makes for a dramatic final descent. Notable sights include: Bosphorus strait, Istanbul city skyline, Black Sea coastline, Sea of Marmara in the distance.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Istanbul?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes 9h 35m.
What does the Toronto to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, the Denmark Strait, and the rugged coastline of Iceland are visible along the great-circle track before the route curves southeast toward continental Europe.