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KBP → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Boryspil International Airport (Kiev) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Dnieper River's massive reservoirs and, most importantly, the iconic Bosphorus Strait and Asian coastline of Istanbul during the final approach into IST.
Search flights from KBP to IST
Dnieper River Bends
Spectacular views of the winding river and the expansive Kaniv Reservoir south of Kiev.
Ukrainian Steppe
A patchwork of fertile agricultural fields stretching across the southern regions of Ukraine.
Bosphorus Strait
Clear views of the bridges connecting Europe and Asia as the plane maneuvers for landing.
Asian Istanbul
The dense, vibrant urban sprawl of the Anatolian side of the city and the Sea of Marmara.
The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare. As the flight approaches Istanbul from the north, this side provides the most consistent views of the Bosphorus waterway. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the best urban photography.
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Kiev Cityscape
Dramatic views of the capital's architecture and the golden domes of Pechersk Lavra during takeoff.
Odessa & Black Sea
The sprawling port city of Odessa and the turquoise transition of the Black Sea coastline.
Lake Terkos
A massive freshwater reservoir located immediately adjacent to Istanbul Airport's western perimeter.
IST Terminal
An aerial view of the world's largest terminal building under a single roof upon final descent.
On the right side, you will have a better view of the Ukrainian coastline before heading over the open sea. This side is preferred for late afternoon flights to witness the sunset over the Balkan peninsula. Look out for the massive cargo ships dotting the Black Sea near the Turkish coast.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,022 km (635 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: KBP (50.34500122070313, 30.89469909667969)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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