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IST → OTP
Which side of the plane to sit from Istanbul Airport (Istanbul) to Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular panoramic views of the Black Sea coastline, the major Bulgarian port cities of Burgas and Varna, and the expansive Danube River crossing before the descent into Bucharest.
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Black Sea Coast
Continuous views of the shimmering coastline, sandy beaches, and the turquoise waters where the sea meets the Thracian plains.
Burgas & Varna Bays
Excellent views of Bulgaria's two largest maritime hubs, including the busy shipping lanes and the famous Golden Sands resort area.
The Danube River
A stunning crossing of the massive river that forms the natural border between Bulgaria and Romania, often visible for several minutes.
Danube Wetlands
The intricate network of channels and lakes south of Bucharest, reflecting sunlight beautifully during late afternoon flights.
The right side is ideal for photographers; sit behind the wing to capture the contrast between the deep blue Black Sea and the green Bulgarian countryside. For late afternoon flights, this side offers the best 'golden hour' lighting on the Romanian plains.
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Istanbul Outskirts
Aerial views of the massive urban expansion and industrial zones of Istanbul's western Thracian side shortly after departure.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged peaks of the Stara Planina range in Bulgaria, which are particularly striking when covered in snow during winter months.
Bucharest Skyline
On southern approaches, the left side provides views of the Palace of the Parliament and the dense urban grid of the Romanian capital.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct sun glare from the east. If the flight path takes a more westerly route over Bulgaria, the mountain views are significantly better from this side.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for RomaniaDistance: 426 km (265 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Arrival: OTP (44.5711111, 26.085)
Route Type: International
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