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HKG → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an unparalleled view of the massive Tianshan mountain range and the expansive, deep blue vista of the Black Sea during the final descent into Istanbul.
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Gobi Desert
Vast stretches of sand and rock formations across Northern China and Mongolia.
Tianshan Range
Known as the Celestial Mountains, featuring stunning glaciers and high peaks.
Aral Sea Basin
The stark, haunting landscape of the shrinking Aral Sea in Central Asia.
Black Sea Coast
A long, scenic stretch along the northern Turkish border before arrival.
IST Coastal Approach
A spectacular view of the Black Sea meeting the new Istanbul Airport's massive runways.
The right side is the winner for morning arrivals. As the sun rises over the Black Sea, you'll get incredible golden-hour light over the Tianshan mountains and the Turkish coastline. For the best views of the new Istanbul Airport (IST) during landing, the right side often looks directly toward the sea and the airport's unique architecture.
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Guilin Karst Peaks
Dramatic limestone formations visible shortly after departure from Hong Kong.
Kunlun Mountains
One of the longest mountain chains in Asia, bordering the Tibetan Plateau.
Caspian Sea Coast
The southern shoreline of the world's largest inland body of water.
Greater Caucasus
Snow-capped peaks separating Eastern Europe from Western Asia.
Bosphorus Glimpse
On specific flight paths, the waterway separating Europe and Asia is visible to the south.
Sit on the left if you want to see the rugged mountains of Anatolia during the early morning descent. This side is also better for catching views of the southern Caspian Sea oil fields. Note that most HKG-IST flights depart at night, so the most scenic parts of China will be dark, but the Caucasus and Turkey will be visible at dawn.
Get eSIMs for Hong Kong
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 8,006 km (4,975 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 25 min
Departure: HKG (22.308901, 113.915001)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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