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BEN β IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Benina International Airport (Benghazi) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the iconic Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus Strait during the descent into IST, especially when the flight approaches from the south.
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Cyrenaica Coast
Final views of the Libyan coastline and the distinct geography around Benghazi.
Western Anatolia
The rugged terrain and high peaks of the Turkish interior as you cross the mainland.
Sea of Marmara
Dozens of cargo ships waiting at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus strait.
The Bosphorus
The winding waterway separating Europe and Asia, visible during the final descent phases.
Istanbul Skyline
Panoramic views of the Historical Peninsula, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Sit on the right side for the most dramatic views of the city. During sunset flights, the sun reflects off the Marmara Sea, creating a golden path that highlights the ships and the Bosphorus bridges.
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Mediterranean Expanse
Deep blue waters of the Central Mediterranean shortly after departing the Libyan coast.
Aegean Islands
Aerial views of the Dodecanese and Greek islands scattered across the turquoise sea.
Izmir Gulf
The densely populated coastline and busy shipping lanes surrounding the city of Izmir.
Mount Ida
The legendary Kaz DaΔlarΔ± mountain range in northwestern Turkey, known for its lush forests.
Black Sea Coast
The rugged northern coastline of Turkey as the aircraft aligns for its final landing path.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for island photography. Watch for the dramatic transition from the sea to the green hills of Thrace.
Get eSIMs for Libya
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,269 km (789 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 42 min
Departure: BEN (32.096801757799994, 20.2695007324)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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