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RTM → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Rotterdam The Hague Airport (Rotterdam) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panorama, featuring the Dutch Rhine delta, a majestic distant view of the Alps, the winding Danube River, and a better chance of seeing Istanbul's historic center on arrival.
Rhine-Meuse Delta
Incredible patterns of the Dutch polders and the intricate water management systems south of Rotterdam.
The Alps Panorama
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps are visible on the southern horizon.
The Danube River
The flight often parallels or crosses the Danube, showing its characteristic blue-green curves through the Balkans.
Balkan Highlands
Deep forested valleys and limestone ridges across Serbia and Bulgaria provide dramatic terrain shifts.
Bosphorus & Istanbul
If the flight approaches IST from the south, you'll see the iconic strait and the skyline of the historic peninsula.
This side is generally sunnier, so prepare for more light. The mid-flight section is the highlight when the Alps appear to the south. During landing, if the wind is from the north, the plane may circle over the Sea of Marmara, providing the right side with spectacular views of the Golden Horn.
Rotterdam Port
Bird's-eye view of Europe's largest seaport and the complex industrial infrastructure of the Maasvlakte.
German Metropolises
Aerial perspectives of major German urban hubs and the dense industrial landscape of the Ruhr area.
Carpathian Mountains
Distant views of the rugged Transylvanian Alps as the flight progresses through Eastern Europe.
Black Sea Coast
The dramatic meeting of the Balkan mountains and the dark blue waters of the Black Sea during the final descent.
The left side is ideal for photographers who want to avoid direct sunlight glare during this southeasterly flight. Keep a sharp eye out during the final 15 minutes of flight for the unique turquoise hues of the Black Sea coastline before turning into IST.
Distance: 2,188 km (1,360 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 55 min
Departure: RTM (51.956902, 4.43722)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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