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BHX → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Birmingham International Airport (Birmingham) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panoramic perspective of the snow-capped Alps to the south and clear views of the large turquoise Lake Balaton in Hungary.
English Channel
The white cliffs of the south coast and the world's busiest shipping lane immediately after takeoff.
The Alps
Spectacular distant views of the Swiss and Austrian Alps glinting to the south during the mid-flight cruise.
Lake Balaton
A striking view of Central Europe's largest lake, known for its unique pale green-blue color.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged ridges and deep valleys stretching across Bulgaria toward the Turkish border.
Istanbul Cityscape
A sprawling view of the European side of Istanbul during the final descent into IST.
Choose the right side for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the Alps. This side provides the most iconic geographic landmarks throughout Central Europe.
Low Countries Urban Sprawl
Bird's-eye view of the densely populated regions of Belgium and Western Germany.
Southern Carpathians
Dramatic views of the Transylvanian Alps as the flight crosses into Romanian airspace.
Black Sea Coastline
The deep blue waters of the Black Sea become visible as you approach Turkish territory from the north.
The Bosphorus
On specific landing patterns, you may see the bridge and the narrow strait separating Europe and Asia.
Sit toward the front to avoid engine heat haze. This side is better for spotting the Bosphorus if the plane approaches Istanbul Airport from the north and turns east.
Distance: 2,604 km (1,618 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: BHX (52.4538993835, -1.7480299472799998)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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