Home› Routes› European Flights› IST → LHR

IST to LHR Turbulence Forecast

Is the Istanbul to London flight turbulent? Live forecast & historical patterns.

Live forecast
IST
→
LHR
Istanbul · London · 3h 42m
36
Turb Score
3h 42m
Duration
1,348 nm
Distance
34,000 ft
Cruise Alt.
Light
Typical
Turbulence Forecast app — IST to LHR
⚠️ Light turbulence today
Get exact timing, altitude & best seat — free
Download free on the App Store
★★★★★ 4.8 · Free · No sign-up
Scan to download Turbulence Forecast
Scan to get the full forecast ★★★★★ 4.8 · Free on the App Store · No sign-up

Typical turbulence along the route

Historical average pattern for IST–LHR

Smooth Light Moderate
0h1h2h3h4h5h6h3h 42m
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Heavy

About the IST–LHR route

The Istanbul to London route is a short European hop covering just 1,551 miles — one of the smoothest types of flights available. At cruising altitude of around 34,000 feet, the aircraft rarely encounters significant turbulence. Rough weather in northern Europe during winter can occasionally cause bumps during climb or descent.

The route is served by Turkish Airlines, British Airways on Airbus A320 · Airbus A330 · Boeing 787 aircraft, with flights typically cruising at 34,000 feet over a distance of 1,551 miles (1,348 nautical miles).

💡 Tip: Very short and smooth. Any turbulence is brief during climb/descent.

Turbulence levels on IST–LHR

What to expect at each phase of the flight

SmoothDeparture & arrival — climb and descent phases are generally calm
LightMinor bumps — drink stays in your cup, walking feels slightly unsteady
ModerateNoticeable bumps — stay seated with seatbelt on, service may pause
HeavyStrong jolts — unsecured items move, crew seated. Rare but possible

Get minute-by-minute timing for your specific flight

Download on the App Store — Free

Best time to fly IST–LHR

Turbulence by month

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Smooth
Light
Moderate
Rough

Best seat on IST–LHR

Airbus A321

Front
Rows 1–15
Light
✓ Wing
Rows 16–26
Smoothest
Rear
Rows 27+
Rougher
Wing seats are over the center of gravity — least affected by turbulence.

What you'll see in the app

Full forecast, live map & seat recommendations

IST to LHR turbulence forecast app
Flight turbulence tracker
Real-time turbulence map

Similar routes

Other popular routes with turbulence data

LHR → IST
London → Istanbul
Light
ATH → LHR
Athens → London
Light
FCO → LHR
Rome → London
Light
DXB → LHR
Dubai → London
Light
BCN → LHR
Barcelona → London
Light
MAD → LHR
Madrid → London
Light
See all european flights →
All IST routes→ All LHR routes→

Frequently asked questions

Is the Istanbul to London flight turbulent?
The IST–LHR route typically experiences light turbulence. Light turbulence may occur — mostly smooth with occasional bumps. The turbulence score for this route is 36/100.
When is turbulence worst on IST to LHR?
Very short and smooth. Any turbulence is brief during climb/descent. Check the turbulence chart above for the typical pattern along this specific route.
Which seat is smoothest on IST to LHR?
Wing seats are always the smoothest. On a Airbus A321 (the most common aircraft on this route), that's rows 16–26. Avoid the very rear of the aircraft — it amplifies turbulence motion.
How long is the flight from IST to LHR?
The IST to LHR flight takes approximately 3h 42m, covering 1,551 miles (1,348 nautical miles).
Which airlines fly IST to LHR?
The main airlines operating this route are Turkish Airlines, British Airways, flying Airbus A320 · Airbus A330 · Boeing 787 aircraft.