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MAN → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Manchester Airport (Manchester) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side typically provides superior views of the Alps in the distance and offers a much better chance of seeing the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, and the historic center of Istanbul during the standard landing patterns.
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The Alps
Spectacular distant views of the snow-capped Swiss and Austrian Alps as the flight crosses Central Europe.
Balkan Mountains
Rugged and dramatic terrain over Serbia and Bulgaria, featuring deep valleys and jagged peaks.
The Bosphorus
The famous strait dividing Europe and Asia is often visible during the approach, especially if the aircraft turns south before landing.
Istanbul Cityscape
Views of the dense urban sprawl, the Sea of Marmara, and the iconic silhouettes of historic mosques on the approach to IST.
Request a window seat on the right for the best chance of seeing Istanbul's landmarks. Most flights into IST approach from the north; if the plane circles over the Sea of Marmara, the right side offers an unbeatable view of the Sultanahmet district. For morning flights, keep your window shade partially down as the sun will be on this side.
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Manchester & Peak District
Aerial views of Manchester city and the rolling green hills of the Peak District immediately after takeoff.
Low Countries Coastline
Gliding over the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel and the intricate coastlines of Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Danube River
Excellent views of the winding Danube River as it meanders through Central and Eastern Europe towards the Black Sea.
Black Sea Coast
During the final descent into IST, the left side often overlooks the rugged northern coastline of Turkey and the Black Sea.
The left side is great for spotting major Central European cities like Vienna or Budapest from a distance. If you are flying in the late afternoon, the sun will be on the right, making the left side better for photography without glare. Watch for the vast Bulgarian plains during the final hour of flight.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,667 km (1,657 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 33 min
Departure: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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