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BRU destination photo
IST destination photo

BRUIST

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the central European heartland, the meandering Danube River, and a higher probability of seeing the iconic Bosphorus and Istanbul city center during the approach sequence.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

Brussels City Center

Panoramic views of the European Quarter and the historic center of Brussels during the initial climb.

🏔️

The Alps

Distant but spectacular snow-capped peaks visible to the south while cruising over southern Germany and Austria.

🏰

Vienna and the Danube

Aerial perspective of the Austrian capital and the wide, winding path of the blue Danube River.

⛰️

Balkan Range

Direct views over the rolling hills and mountain ridges of Serbia and Bulgaria.

🌉

The Bosphorus

If the flight approaches from the south, you'll get an iconic view of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Balkan Peninsula. Aim for a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus during the landing pattern, which often circles the city.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Brussels Northern Suburbs

Clear views of the Atomium and the northern residential districts of the Belgian capital shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Rhine River Valley

Crossing the winding Rhine near Cologne, showing the dense industrial and urban landscape of western Germany.

⛰️

Carpathian Mountains

Distant views of the rugged Transylvanian Alps in Romania as the flight path heads southeast.

🌊

Black Sea Coastline

Striking views of the turquoise waters and sandy shores as the aircraft descends towards Istanbul Airport.

🛫

IST Northern Approach

Dramatic views of the new airport's massive terminal architecture and the surrounding forests near the Black Sea.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. This side is also best for viewing the massive logistics and shipping lanes of the Black Sea as you enter Turkish airspace.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,141 km (1,330 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 51 min

Departure: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: International

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