Loading map...

NOP destination photo
IST destination photo

NOP โ†’ IST

Which side of the plane to sit from Sinop Airport (Sinop) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a spectacular vantage point of the Black Sea coastline throughout the flight, providing clear views of the Sinop peninsula upon departure and the dramatic entrance of the Bosphorus during the approach to Istanbul.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
๐Ÿ“

Sinop Peninsula

The unique northernmost tip of Turkey, shaped like a hammerhead, is best viewed immediately after departure.

๐ŸŒŠ

Black Sea Coastline

A continuous panoramic view of where the emerald green mountains meet the deep blue waters of the Black Sea.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

Filyos Port Project

One of Turkey's largest industrial port developments visible near the mouth of the Filyos River.

โš“

Zonguldak Cliffs

Dramatic rocky shorelines and small coastal towns like Amasra that dot the Western Black Sea region.

๐ŸŒ‰

Bosphorus Entrance

The northern entrance of the world-famous Bosphorus strait, including the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge if visibility is high.

The right side is the definitive choice for coastal lovers. For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Sinop cliffs and the Filyos delta. If the plane approaches IST from the north, you might get a rare glimpse of the Third Bridge (Yavuz Sultan Selim) and the Black Sea entrance to the strait.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
๐Ÿ”๏ธ

Kรผre Mountains National Park

Dense, rugged mountain peaks and deep canyons of the Pontic range visible shortly after takeoff.

๐ŸŒฒ

Northern Anatolian Forests

Lush, expansive greenery that characterizes the high-altitude terrain of the Kastamonu and Bolu provinces.

โ˜๏ธ

Anatolian Plateau Edge

The transition between the humid coastal climate and the drier interior of Turkey, often marked by distinct cloud formations.

๐Ÿ˜๏ธ

Adapazarฤฑ Basin

The densely populated industrial and agricultural plains of the Sakarya region as the flight nears the Marmara zone.

๐ŸŒณ

Belgrad Forest

The massive 'lungs of Istanbul' visible as the aircraft begins its final descent into Istanbul Airport.

Sit on the left if you prefer mountainous terrain and want to avoid direct glare from the sun when flying during the afternoon. This side offers a great perspective of the Bolu mountain pass. Keep an eye out for the snow-capped peaks of the Ilgaz range during winter months.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 531 km (330 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 53 min

Departure: NOP (42.015800476074, 35.066398620605)

Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.