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BLQ โ IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Bologna) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Dalmatian Islands, the dramatic Montenegrin coastline, and the shimmering Marmara Sea upon arrival.
Dalmatian Archipelago
Stunning views of Hvar, Braฤ, and Korฤula islands dotting the deep blue Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik Old Town
The distinctive red roofs and stone walls of the Pearl of the Adriatic are often visible from cruise altitude.
Bay of Kotor
The dramatic fjord-like bay of Montenegro surrounded by steep limestone cliffs.
Lake Skadar
The largest lake in the Balkans, situated on the border between Montenegro and Albania.
Marmara Sea
Approaching Istanbul, view the intense shipping traffic waiting to enter the Bosphorus Strait.
This is the premier side for coastal scenery. Watch for the Croatian islands roughly 25-35 minutes after takeoff. Book a morning flight to have the sun behind the plane for the best photography of the Adriatic's turquoise water. On clear days, the Bay of Kotor and the historic walls of Dubrovnik are standout landmarks.
Po Valley
Aerial views of the fertile plains and agricultural patterns of Emilia-Romagna shortly after takeoff.
Velebit Range
The rugged, white karst peaks of the Dinaric Alps stretching along the Croatian coastline.
Balkan Mountains
The long mountain chain that forms the backbone of Bulgaria, visible across the interior.
Sofia
Distant views of the Bulgarian capital nestled in a high-altitude valley to the south.
Black Sea Coast
The coastline of the Black Sea as the flight prepares its descent into Istanbul from the northwest.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during midday flights to avoid direct southern sun glare. This side provides a better perspective of the rugged interior mountains of the Balkans and the Black Sea coast as the plane maneuvers for its final approach into IST.
Distance: 1,465 km (910 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 57 min
Departure: BLQ (44.5354, 11.2887)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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