Loading map...
IST → KHI
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Jinnah International Airport (Karachi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Persian Gulf coastline, the Strait of Hormuz, and the unique, rugged geology of the Makran Coast as you approach Pakistan.
Search flights from IST to KHI
Istanbul & Marmara
Beautiful views of the Prince Islands and the southern coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb.
Persian Gulf
Deep turquoise waters and the contrasting arid coastline of southern Iran and the UAE islands in the distance.
Strait of Hormuz
One of the world's most important shipping lanes, where you can often spot large tankers from 35,000 feet.
Makran Coastline
Breathtaking views of the Pakistani coast where the desert meets the Arabian Sea with unique cliff formations.
Manora Island
Visible just before touchdown, this historic landmark sits at the entrance to Karachi Harbor.
For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to have an unobstructed view of the Makran Coastal Range during descent. On daylight flights, the sun will be on this side, so use a polarized filter for photography. The transition from the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea provides some of the most dramatic color changes on this route.
Book Hotels in Karachi
Taurus Mountains
Stunning views of the snow-capped peaks across southern Turkey shortly after departure from Istanbul.
Dasht-e Lut Desert
One of the hottest places on Earth, showcasing vast, salt-crusted landscapes and dramatic sand formations in Iran.
Zagros Mountains
A massive mountain range in Iran with deep valleys and intricate limestone ridges visible from high altitude.
Karachi Cityscape
Aerial view of the sprawling northern suburbs and industrial areas of Karachi during the final approach.
The left side is preferable for night flights to catch the glittering lights of inland cities like Isfahan or Shiraz. In winter, keep an eye out for the Anatolian Plateau's extensive snow cover. It is generally the 'shadier' side for most of this eastbound journey, reducing glare on your photos.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for PakistanDistance: 3,971 km (2,467 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 40 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: KHI (24.9065, 67.160797)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.