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KFS → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Kastamonu Airport (Kastamonu) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the dramatic Black Sea coastline and the iconic northern approach to Istanbul Airport, including views of the third Bosphorus bridge.
Black Sea Horizon
The endless blue expanse of the sea provides a serene and constant backdrop for much of the journey.
Zonguldak Coastline
Industrial landscapes and major shipping ports nestled along the rugged northern shore.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
Excellent views of the massive third bridge spanning the northern Bosphorus during the descent.
Belgrade Forest
The dense greenery provides a stark contrast to the urban sprawl as you approach the runway at IST.
The right side is ideal for capturing the coastline. During the approach to IST, planes often fly over the Black Sea and turn inland, offering a perfect angle of the northern Bosphorus and the new airport's infrastructure. Choose afternoon flights for the best lighting conditions for photography.
Ilgaz Mountains
Rugged peaks and dense pine forests of the North Anatolian range shortly after takeoff.
Anatolian Plateaus
A vast patchwork of agricultural fields and traditional rural villages throughout the flight.
Bosphorus Distant View
On clear days, the shimmering strait and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia appear to the south.
Sit on the left if you prefer looking at the interior mountainous terrain of Turkey. Early morning flights provide soft lighting on the mountains, though you may face some sun glare depending on the exact flight heading.
Distance: 421 km (262 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 42 min
Departure: KFS (41.31420135498047, 33.79579925537109)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: Domestic
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