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LGW → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic scenery, featuring the highest peaks of the Swiss and Austrian Alps mid-flight and the best chance to see the Istanbul city center and Bosphorus during the landing approach.
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The High Alps
Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks across Switzerland and Austria, often including the Bernese Oberland.
Danube River
The flight often tracks near the Danube, providing views of this major waterway crossing through several nations.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged, forested terrain of Serbia and Bulgaria, featuring deep valleys and remote villages.
Bosphorus Bridges
On many approach patterns, you can see the bridges connecting Europe and Asia just before touchdown.
Istanbul Skyline
A glimpse of the historic peninsula, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, during the final approach turns.
The Alps are the highlight, visible roughly 90 minutes into the flight. For the best photography, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the engine against the mountain backdrop. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind you, lighting the Alps perfectly.
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English Channel
Clear views of the shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the Kent coastline shortly after departure.
Brussels & Benelux
Aerial perspectives of the densely populated urban landscapes of Belgium and the southern Netherlands.
Frankfurt & Rhine Valley
The industrial heart of Germany and the winding Rhine River as the flight moves southeast.
Black Sea Coast
The turquoise waters and rugged shoreline of northern Turkey during the final descent into IST.
Sit here for views of the UK coast immediately after takeoff. On the approach to Istanbul, if the wind is from the south, you will get a sweeping view of the Black Sea before the plane turns inland for the runway.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,461 km (1,529 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 17 min
Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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