Loading map...

IST destination photo
MLX destination photo

ISTMLX

Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Malatya Erhaç Airport (Malatya)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior panorama featuring the Istanbul Bosphorus at takeoff, the iconic Mount Erciyes midway, and the spectacular Karakaya Dam reservoir on the approach to Malatya.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌉

Istanbul Bosphorus

Breathtaking aerial views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia shortly after takeoff.

💧

Lake Iznik

A beautiful deep blue lake nestled between olive groves and the Samanli Mountains.

🌋

Mount Erciyes

The majestic snow-capped volcanic peak that dominates the Central Anatolian skyline near Kayseri.

🏗️

Karakaya Dam

One of Turkey's largest and most impressive reservoirs on the Euphrates River.

🏔️

Anti-Taurus Ridges

Dramatic mountain ridges that define the high plateau approach into Malatya.

Choose a window seat on the right for the best chance to see the Istanbul Bosphorus shortly after takeoff. During the final 20 minutes of flight, the view of the Karakaya Dam and the winding Euphrates River is spectacular, especially during the golden hour before sunset.

Left Side Highlights
7.0
🌊

Black Sea Horizon

The vast blue expanse of the sea during the initial climb from Istanbul Airport.

🌲

Bolu Mountains

Dense forest cover and rolling green hills characteristic of the Western Black Sea region.

🌾

Central Anatolian Steppes

The unique geometric farm patterns and golden plains of the Anatolian heartland.

🏔️

Munzur Mountains

Distant snow-capped peaks visible to the northeast as you transition into Eastern Anatolia.

Opt for an early morning flight to see the Bolu mountains emerging from the mist. Keep your eyes peeled for the rugged terrain of the Tunceli region to the north as you begin your descent into Malatya.

Top Activities in Malatya
Route Information

Distance: 857 km (533 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min

Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Arrival: MLX (38.4352989197, 38.0909996033)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.