Loading map...
MSQ → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Minsk National Airport (Minsk 2) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this route because it offers better views of the Turkish coastline and the sprawling urban landscape of Istanbul during the descent over the Black Sea.
Search flights from MSQ to IST
Minsk Departure
Views of the Belarusian capital's outskirts and the surrounding dense forests immediately after takeoff.
Turkish Black Sea Coast
The rugged and green northern coastline of Turkey as the plane approaches land from the open sea.
Istanbul Sprawl
A breathtaking look at the massive scale of Istanbul's European side and the new airport's architecture.
Black Sea Sunset
On evening flights, the right side provides a front-row seat to the sun setting over the water.
Istanbul Airport Infrastructure
The massive scale of one of the world's largest airport terminals is clearly visible during the final banking maneuvers.
The right side is highly recommended for evening flights to catch the sunset. During the descent into IST, the plane often circles over the Black Sea; seats behind the wing on the right provide the best angle for photography of the Turkish coastline and the city's western expansion. Ensure you choose a seat far from the wing for unobstructed views of the urban landscape.
Book Hotels in Istanbul
Russian Forest Steppe
Due to current airspace restrictions, the flight detours east over Russia, offering views of vast woodlands and agricultural patterns.
Azov Sea Proximity
Distant views of the Sea of Azov and the Don River delta as the aircraft turns south toward the Black Sea.
Bosphorus Northern Mouth
On approach to IST, you can see the northern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait where the Black Sea meets the waterway.
Morning Sun
Excellent soft lighting on the landscape if taking the early morning flight out of Minsk.
Sit on the left if you are on a morning flight and want to avoid the direct glare of the sun, or if you want to see the expansive Russian interior during the long detour phase of the flight. Watch for the Don River as a primary navigational landmark midway through the journey.
Get eSIMs for Belarus
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,403 km (872 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 52 min
Departure: MSQ (53.882499694824, 28.030700683594)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.