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EDI → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Edinburgh Airport (Edinburgh) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route as it offers the iconic view of the Forth Bridges upon departure, potential glimpses of the Alps to the south during cruise, and the most spectacular views of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline during the descent into IST.
Forth Bridges
Unrivaled views of the three iconic bridges spanning the Firth of Forth shortly after departing Edinburgh.
The Alps
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible on the southern horizon.
Central European Cities
Potential views over major hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, or Budapest depending on the specific airway assigned.
The Bosphorus
The world-famous waterway separating Europe and Asia is often visible during the holding patterns or final approach to IST.
Sea of Marmara
Dozens of cargo ships anchored at the entrance to the Bosphorus create a unique maritime pattern from above.
The right side is the 'gold' seat for the approach into Istanbul. For the best chance of seeing the city center and the Blue Mosque, hope for a southern approach. In the morning, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses, but the sunset views over the Balkan Peninsula on evening flights are spectacular.
Edinburgh City
Aerial perspective of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat immediately after takeoff from EDI.
The North Sea
Vast views of the North Sea and the eastern coastline of England as the plane heads toward mainland Europe.
Dutch Coastline
Clear views of the Netherlands' unique polders, dykes, and the Frisian Islands if the flight path tracks north.
Carpathian Mountains
The rugged, forested peaks of the Carpathians in Romania provide a dramatic landscape during the second half of the flight.
Black Sea Coast
The turquoise waters and sandy beaches of the Bulgarian and Turkish coastlines as you approach Istanbul.
Sit on the left for the best departure shots of Edinburgh's historic skyline. On afternoon flights, this side will be in the shade for most of the journey, which is ideal for photography as it minimizes window glare. During winter months, look out for the snow-capped Balkan mountains in the late afternoon light.
Distance: 2,830 km (1,758 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min
Departure: EDI (55.95000076293945, -3.372499942779541)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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