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LIS → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Humberto Delgado Airport (Lisbon Portela Airport) (Lisbon) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior aerial perspective of Lisbon's Tagus riverfront on departure and provides the most iconic views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's historic peninsula during the final approach.
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25 de Abril Bridge
Unmatched views of Lisbon's iconic suspension bridge and the Christ the King monument on departure.
Sardinian Coastline
The turquoise waters and rocky inlets of southern Sardinia during the Mediterranean crossing.
Rome & Lazio Coast
Often provides distant views of the Eternal City and the mouth of the Tiber River.
Sea of Marmara
Witness the incredible density of cargo ships waiting to enter the Bosphorus Strait.
The Historic Peninsula
On most IST approaches, you will see the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
The right side is the clear winner for the arrival into Istanbul; if the plane approaches from the south or west, you will fly parallel to the city center. Try to book a window seat away from the wing to fully capture the Bosphorus Bridge. Early morning flights provide beautiful 'Golden Hour' lighting over the Mediterranean islands.
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Sintra Mountains
Visible shortly after takeoff from LIS, featuring the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle atop the hills.
Sierra de Guadarrama
Rugged mountain peaks located north of Madrid as you traverse central Spain.
Northern Corsica
Dramatic views of the French island's northern 'finger' and its jagged coastline.
Central Apennines
The snowy ridges of Italy's mountain spine, crossing from the Tyrrhenian to the Adriatic.
Rila Mountains
Bulgaria's highest peaks, providing a stunning alpine landscape during the descent phase.
Sit on the left if you are flying during a summer afternoon to avoid the intense southern sun. It offers better views of the inland European mountain ranges and the north coast of Corsica. During winter, look for the 'Seven Rila Lakes' in Bulgaria which are often frozen and clearly visible from altitude.
Get eSIMs for Portugal
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 3,212 km (1,996 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 47 min
Departure: LIS (38.7813, -9.13592)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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