IST

Best window seat landing at İstanbul Airport

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

LandingRIGHT

Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs

🛬 Landing at Istanbul (IST)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 35L means you're flying north on final approach, with Istanbul's western districts, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Black Sea coastline all visible off to the right (east) as you descend. The left side mostly shows flat Thrace farmland and Terkos Lake, which is less visually interesting.
Look forBlack Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distance
Left window seat view during landing at Istanbul (IST), Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distanceLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Istanbul (IST), Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distanceRight Side
IstanbulPhoto: enaerguvan .

Opened in 2018, İstanbul Airport is one of the world's largest airports by land area, with a single massive main terminal designed for high capacity and future expansion. It replaced Atatürk Airport as Turkey's primary international gateway and serves as the main base for Turkish Airlines' global network.

⛰️ Elevation325 ft
🛫 Runways6 (17L/35R, 17R/35L, 16L/34R, 16R/34L, 18/36, 09/27)
✈️ HubTurkish Airlines, AJet
📍 NearbySAW 40 miTEQ 43 miYEI 83 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views landing at İstanbul Airport (IST)?

When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 35L means you're flying north on final approach, with Istanbul's western districts, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Black Sea coastline all visible off to the right (east) as you descend. The left side mostly shows flat Thrace farmland and Terkos Lake, which is less visually interesting. Notable sights include: Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distance.

What can I see when arriving at Istanbul?

Arriving at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul, passengers on the Right side enjoy views of Black Sea coastline, Bosphorus strait entrance, outer Istanbul suburbs (Arnavutköy/Başakşehir area), Terkos Lake in the distance. Landing on runway 35L means you're flying north on final approach, with Istanbul's western districts, the Bosphorus mouth, and the Black Sea coastline all visible off to the right (east) as you descend. The left side mostly shows flat Thrace farmland and Terkos Lake, which is less visually interesting.

What factors affect the best window seat landing at İstanbul Airport?

The best window seat landing at İstanbul Airport (IST) depends on several factors: the approach path and runway in use, geographic features around Istanbul (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening arrivals often offer the best lighting.