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KYA → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Konya Airport (Konya) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the approach into Istanbul, featuring the industrial Gulf of Izmit, the meandering Sakarya River, and the iconic Bosphorus bridges as the aircraft lines up for Istanbul Airport near the Black Sea coast.
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Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake)
On clear days, the vast white expanse of one of the world's largest salt lakes is visible to the east.
Sakarya River
Watch the long, winding path of the Sakarya River as it cuts through the fertile plains of Northwest Anatolia.
Gulf of Izmit
A dense industrial and maritime hub where the Marmara Sea narrows into a deep bay.
Bosphorus Bridges
Spectacular views of the bridges connecting Asia and Europe just before descending toward the Black Sea coast.
Belgrad Forest
The large green lung of Istanbul located just south of the new airport.
The right side is ideal for spotting the Bosphorus and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge during the final descent. Since Istanbul Airport is located in the north, flights from Konya typically fly north-northwest, making the right side better for viewing the Black Sea coastline. For the best lighting, choose an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the city and the straits from the west.
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Lake Akşehir
A prominent endorheic lake located at the foot of the Sultandağları Mountains visible shortly after takeoff.
Mount Uludağ
The highest peak in the Marmara region, often capped with snow during winter and spring months.
Historical Peninsula
Views of the Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia, and Blue Mosque if the flight path approaches from the south of the city.
Sea of Marmara
The inland sea separating the Anatolian and European landmasses of Turkey.
Sit on the left for early morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. If the aircraft performs a southern approach (Runway 34/35), you may get a distant but clear view of the Princes' Islands and the historical old city. Look out for the changing landscape from the dry Konya steppe to the lush greenery of the Marmara region.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 491 km (305 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: KYA (37.979, 32.561901)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: Domestic
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