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IST → BRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Brussels Airport (Brussels)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is the winner for this route as it provides a front-row seat to the rugged Balkan Mountains and the distant but majestic snow-capped peaks of the Alps as you traverse Southern Europe.
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Istanbul Cityscape
Breathtaking views of the Bosporus, the Golden Horn, and the sprawling metropolitan area of Istanbul shortly after takeoff.
Balkan Mountains
Dramatic ridges of the Stara Planina range stretching across the Bulgarian landscape.
Alpine Panorama
On clear days, the northern fringes of the Austrian and Bavarian Alps are visible in the distance to the south.
The Ardennes
Rolling green hills and dense forest cover of Southern Belgium during the initial descent phase.
Sit on the left for the best mountain views, but be aware that the sun will be on this side of the aircraft for most daytime flights from East to West, which can cause glare. Use a polarizing filter for photos and keep the window shade partially closed to manage cabin heat.
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Black Sea Coast
The turquoise waters and sandy coastlines near Istanbul Airport immediately after departure.
Danube River
Multiple crossings and long stretches of Europe's second-longest river through Romania and Hungary.
Budapest Skyline
Depending on the specific airway, a high-altitude view of the Hungarian capital divided by the Danube.
Rhine Valley
Views of the industrial and historic heart of Germany, including the winding Rhine river near Frankfurt.
Flemish Plains
The neatly partitioned agricultural fields and towns of Flanders as you approach Brussels.
The right side is perfect for photography because the sun is on the opposite side of the plane, providing soft, even lighting. Look out for the massive bends of the Danube River about halfway through the flight. If the wind is from the west, you may get a view of the Atomium on the approach to BRU.
Book Hotels in BrusselsDistance: 2,141 km (1,330 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 51 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)
Route Type: International
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