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AAL destination photo
IST destination photo

AAL β†’ IST

Which side of the plane to sit from Aalborg Airport (Aalborg) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the most iconic views, including the Danube River flowing through Budapest, the rugged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, and the best vantage point for the Bosphorus Strait during the approach into Istanbul.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Danish Archipelago

Aerial views of the Great Belt and the scattered islands of southeastern Denmark shortly after departure.

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Berlin & Brandenburg

On a clear eastern track, the sprawling urban layout of the German capital is visible to the east.

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Danube River & Budapest

A stunning perspective of the 'Pearl of the Danube' and the river's winding path through the Hungarian plains.

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Southern Carpathians

Dramatic views of the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania, often snow-capped during winter and spring.

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Black Sea Coast

The plane typically tracks near the Bulgarian coast, offering views of the Varna and Burgas bays.

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The Bosphorus

During the final descent into IST, this side offers the classic view of the waterway dividing Europe and Asia.

Seats forward of the wing are essential for clear photography of the Carpathians. For evening flights, the sun sets on the opposite side, providing soft, golden hour lighting on the Romanian peaks and the Bosphorus. Monitor the flight path; if the arrival is from the North, the left side is unmatched for city views.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🚜

Jutland Peninsula

The patchwork of Danish agriculture and the rolling hills of the mainland immediately after takeoff.

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Prague & Bohemia

Views of the Czech landscape and the distant Vltava river valley as the flight heads southeast.

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Distant Alps

On exceptionally clear days, the northern fringes of the Austrian Alps can be spotted on the far horizon.

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Balkan Mountains

The dense forests and ridges of the Stara Planina range stretching across central Bulgaria.

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Istanbul Expansion

Detailed views of the massive urban development and new infrastructure projects in Northern Istanbul.

The right side is better for avoiding direct sun glare during morning flights heading southeast. It offers a great perspective of the rural heartlands of Central Europe. During the approach to Istanbul Airport (IST), keep an eye out for the massive Terkos Lake just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,216 km (1,377 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 57 min

Departure: AAL (57.0927589138, 9.84924316406)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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