Loading map...
VKO → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Vnukovo International Airport (Moscow) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Caucasus Mountains in the distance and a more iconic view of the Bosphorus Strait and Istanbul's historic peninsula during the standard approach into IST.
Search flights from VKO to IST
Moscow Suburbs
Aerial views of the New Moscow districts and the dense forests surrounding Vnukovo immediately after takeoff.
Don River Meanders
The winding path of the Don River as the flight traverses the fertile plains of Southern Russia.
Caucasus Range
On clear days, the distant snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus Mountains are visible to the south.
Turkish Black Sea Coast
The lush, green coastline of northern Turkey as the aircraft transitions from the sea to land.
Bosphorus Strait
A stunning view of the waterway separating Europe and Asia, including the iconic bridges during the descent.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the Caucasus. If flying in the morning, the left side receives direct sunlight, which may cause glare; however, for evening flights, it provides a beautiful soft light over the Black Sea. During the final approach to IST, keep your camera ready for the Bosphorus bridges.
Get eSIMs for Russia
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Russian Heartland
Vast patchwork fields and agricultural landscapes of the Voronezh and Rostov regions.
Sea of Azov
The northern shoreline and the shallow, turquoise waters of the Taganrog Bay.
Black Sea Crossing
A long, serene stretch over the deep blue waters of the Black Sea with passing cargo ships.
Istanbul Airport Mega-Structure
A great view of the massive terminal and runway complex of IST as the plane banks for landing.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh sun and enjoy a possible sunset over the Black Sea. It offers a better view of the expansive Istanbul Airport infrastructure during the landing pattern, which is a marvel of modern engineering.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,708 km (1,061 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 17 min
Departure: VKO (55.591499328599994, 37.2615013123)
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.