Addis Ababa to Pendik, Istanbul flight pathADDSAW

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Flight time5h 30m
Distance2,281
Heading347° → 343°
Best side
RightMostly right

Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The departure from Addis Ababa showcases the Ethiopian Highlands' dramatic escarpment and plateau terrain on the right. During the long northbound cruise over the Red Sea region and into the Horn of Africa, right-side seats face the more geographically interesting eastern terrain. The landing approach to Istanbul favors the left, but the extended cruise segment dominates the flight experience.

Flown ADD to SAW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Addis Ababa to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,281 miles (3,671 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Red Sea coastline (Eritrea/Sudan border region), Nile Valley approach near Khartoum, transition from African highlands to Saharan plateau, Suez Canal region, Sinai Peninsula, Eastern Mediterranean coastline, Anatolian Plateau terrain approaching Turkey

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from ADD

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and right-side passengers see the dramatic escarpment terrain and elevated plateaus that define the geography around Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Highlands plateauAddis Ababa urban sprawl belowescarpment ridgelines to the eastLake Bishoftu visible during initial climb
ADD Bole InternationalHub for Ethiopian Airlines

Landing at SAW

LEFT

Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Sea of Marmara and the Anatolian plateau, and left-side passengers see the water body, the Asian shoreline, and the city's eastern districts clearly.

Sea of MarmaraAnatolian Plateau terrainIstanbul's Asian-side urban developmentPendik district and airport surroundings
SAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International AirportHub for Pegasus Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bole International (ADD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Addis Ababa to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The departure from Addis Ababa showcases the Ethiopian Highlands' dramatic escarpment and plateau terrain on the right. During the long northbound cruise over the Red Sea region and into the Horn of Africa, right-side seats face the more geographically interesting eastern terrain. The landing approach to Istanbul favors the left, but the extended cruise segment dominates the flight experience.

What can I see during takeoff from Bole International in Addis Ababa?

During takeoff from Bole International (ADD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Ethiopian Highlands immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and right-side passengers see the dramatic escarpment terrain and elevated plateaus that define the geography around Addis Ababa. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands plateau, Addis Ababa urban sprawl below, escarpment ridgelines to the east, Lake Bishoftu (Debre Zeit) visible during initial climb.

What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?

When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the southeast over the Sea of Marmara and the Anatolian plateau, and left-side passengers see the water body, the Asian shoreline, and the city's eastern districts clearly. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (southern approach), Anatolian Plateau terrain, Istanbul's Asian-side urban development, Pendik district and airport surroundings.

How long is the flight from Addis Ababa to Pendik, Istanbul?

The flight from Bole International (ADD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,281 miles (3,671 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Addis Ababa to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?

Red Sea coastline (Eritrea/Sudan border region), Nile Valley approach near Khartoum, transition from African highlands to Saharan plateau, Suez Canal region, Sinai Peninsula, Eastern Mediterranean coastline, Anatolian Plateau terrain approaching Turkey