The left side offers a more varied and dramatic sequence overall: a scenic Zanzibar coastal departure, glimpses of the Great Rift Valley highlands and Kilimanjaro's foothills early in the route, and a picturesque Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus approach at the end, outweighing the right side's flatter desert and Nile views.
Flown ZNZ to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Zanzibar to Istanbul is 3,348 miles (5,389 km), a flight of about 7 hours 10 minutes.
Great Rift Valley highlands and Kenyan/Ethiopian plateau, the Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula, and the eastern Mediterranean coastline before reaching Turkey
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZNZ
LEFTDeparting Zanzibar, the initial climb and turn toward the mainland put the historic Stone Town waterfront and the turquoise Zanzibar Channel on the left, while the right side faces mostly open Indian Ocean with little to see.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn a typical south-to-north approach into Istanbul, the aircraft descends over the Sea of Marmara with the historic European peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the domes and minarets of old Istanbul visible on the left, while the right side shows the flatter Asian suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zanzibar to Istanbul. The left side offers a more varied and dramatic sequence overall: a scenic Zanzibar coastal departure, glimpses of the Great Rift Valley highlands and Kilimanjaro's foothills early in the route, and a picturesque Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus approach at the end, outweighing the right side's flatter desert and Nile views.
What can I see during takeoff from Zanzibar in Zanzibar?
During takeoff from Zanzibar (ZNZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Zanzibar, the initial climb and turn toward the mainland put the historic Stone Town waterfront and the turquoise Zanzibar Channel on the left, while the right side faces mostly open Indian Ocean with little to see. Notable sights include: Stone Town harbor, Zanzibar Channel, coral reef shallows, Tanzanian mainland coastline.
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 a typical south-to-north approach into Istanbul, the aircraft descends over the Sea of Marmara with the historic European peninsula, the Bosphorus mouth, and the domes and minarets of old Istanbul visible on the left, while the right side shows the flatter Asian suburbs. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Istanbul historic peninsula skyline, Princes' Islands.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Istanbul?
The flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 7 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,348 miles (5,389 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Zanzibar to Istanbul flight path pass over?
Great Rift Valley highlands and Kenyan/Ethiopian plateau, the Nile River valley through Sudan and Egypt, the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula, and the eastern Mediterranean coastline before reaching Turkey