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CPH → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (Copenhagen) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior approach into Istanbul, frequently showcasing the Bosphorus Strait and the Black Sea coastline, alongside an early view of the Swedish coast after departing Copenhagen.
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Øresund Bridge
Shortly after takeoff, view the massive bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden over the Baltic Sea.
Berlin Metropolitan Area
Depending on the specific airway, the sprawl of the German capital is often visible to the east.
Carpathian Mountains
Fly over the rugged, forested peaks of the Southern Carpathians in Romania.
Black Sea Coast
The dramatic meeting of the Balkan peninsula and the dark waters of the Black Sea as you enter Turkish airspace.
The Bosphorus
On the standard approach to IST, catch the iconic waterway separating Europe and Asia and the bridges that span it.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Swedish coast during takeoff and the Bosphorus during landing. For daytime flights, this side avoids the harshest direct sunlight in the afternoon, making photography through the window easier. Watch for the transition from the green landscapes of Central Europe to the blue hues of the Black Sea.
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Copenhagen Cityscape
Get a bird's-eye view of Copenhagen's historic center and the Round Tower immediately after departure.
Prague & Central Europe
Look for the Vltava river and the red roofs of historic Czech and Slovakian towns.
The Danube River
The flight path frequently crosses or follows the winding path of Europe's second-longest river near Budapest.
Balkan Mountains
Aerial views of the Stara Planina range stretching across Bulgaria toward the sea.
Istanbul European Side
A view of the massive urban density and modern skyscrapers of Istanbul's business districts like Maslak.
The right side is ideal for seeing Copenhagen's city center right after rotation. It also provides excellent views of the Danube River and the Balkan mountain ranges mid-flight. Be aware that on south-bound flights during the middle of the day, this side will be exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause glare and heat.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,978 km (1,229 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 38 min
Departure: CPH (55.617900848389, 12.656000137329)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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