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FCO → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Balkan mountain ranges and the iconic historic peninsula of Istanbul during the final approach.
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Lazio Coastline
Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Roman countryside during the initial climb.
Rila & Pirin Mountains
Bulgaria's highest peaks, often snow-capped well into the spring season.
Sea of Marmara
The busy shipping lanes and islands south of Istanbul visible during the approach.
Istanbul Peninsula
The historic core, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, often visible on southern approaches.
Bosphorus Bridges
The suspension bridges linking Europe and Asia may be visible depending on the landing pattern.
The right side is prime for photography during the landing phase. If the aircraft approaches from the south, you'll get a world-class view of the Old City. For sunset flights, the right side captures the 'Golden Horn' effect as the sun hits the city's domes and minarets.
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Central Apennines
Dramatic views of Italy's rugged spine shortly after departing Rome.
Adriatic Sea
A vast expanse of blue as the flight crosses from Italy towards the Balkan coast.
Dinaric Alps
The jagged peaks and deep valleys of Montenegro and southern Serbia.
Black Sea Coast
The northern coastline of Turkey comes into view during the descent into IST.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. During the descent, watch for the massive infrastructure of the new Istanbul Airport and the dark blue waters of the Black Sea. Keep an eye out for the Danube River snaking through the plains in the distance mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for Italy
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,374 km (854 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 50 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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