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HEL → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers a spectacular progression from the Finnish archipelago to the dramatic peaks of the Tatras and Carpathians, concluding with a grand view of the Istanbul urban landscape.
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Helsinki Archipelago
A stunning mosaic of thousands of islands and rocky islets visible immediately after takeoff.
Riga
The sprawling Daugava River and the historic layout of the Latvian capital city.
High Tatras
Dramatic, jagged peaks marking the border between Poland and Slovakia.
Carpathian Mountains
Endless ridges of dense green forests stretching across the Romanian landscape.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged terrain and deep valleys of central Bulgaria as you approach Turkey.
Istanbul Urban Sprawl
A breathtaking view of the massive metropolitan density and the Marmara Sea on final approach.
The right side is superior for mountain enthusiasts, offering views of the Tatras and the Carpathians. For the best photography, afternoon flights are ideal as the sun will be behind or above the plane, illuminating the mountains perfectly. Ensure you have your camera ready about 90 minutes into the flight for the mountain ranges.
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Gulf of Finland
Deep blue waters dotted with merchant ships leaving Helsinki port.
Tallinn Skyline
Aerial perspective of the medieval spires and modern towers of the Estonian capital.
Bucharest
A view of the Romanian capital including the massive Palace of the Parliament.
Black Sea Coast
The turquoise shoreline where the Balkans meet the sea during the final descent phase.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic waterway dividing Europe and Asia, visible if the approach path curves from the east.
Choose the left side for a chance to see the Bosphorus and the Black Sea coastline. During morning flights, this side receives direct sunlight, which is excellent for spotting the glistening water but may cause glare for photography. In the winter, keep an eye out for frozen coastal areas in the Baltic section.
Get eSIMs for Finland
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,133 km (1,325 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 51 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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