While the takeoff offers Mount Erciyes, the landing provides more dramatic and varied scenery with the Marmara Sea, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's waterfront. The right side captures the most visually distinctive features of this route.
Flown ASR to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kayseri to Pendik, Istanbul is 360 miles (579 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Anatolian plateau westward, passing over the Sakarya River valley and the transition zone between central Anatolia's arid steppe and the more temperate Marmara region. The Bosphorus strait and Marmara Sea become visible approximately 20 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ASR
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Erciyes Dagh (Mount Erciyes), the dominant 3,916m stratovolcano visible on the western horizon during climb-out. The right side faces the Anatolian plateau with fewer distinctive landmarks.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian shoreline of Istanbul as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The left side faces the Anatolian interior with no distinctive water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Erkilet (ASR) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kayseri to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff offers Mount Erciyes, the landing provides more dramatic and varied scenery with the Marmara Sea, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's waterfront. The right side captures the most visually distinctive features of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Erkilet in Kayseri?
During takeoff from Erkilet (ASR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Erciyes Dagh (Mount Erciyes), the dominant 3,916m stratovolcano visible on the western horizon during climb-out. The right side faces the Anatolian plateau with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dagh), Kayseri city grid below, Anatolian steppe extending westward, Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) visible as a pale expanse to the northwest at altitude.
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 Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian shoreline of Istanbul as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The left side faces the Anatolian interior with no distinctive water features. Notable sights include: Marmara Sea (Sea of Marmara), Bosphorus strait entrance, Pendik waterfront and Istanbul's Asian suburbs, Prince's Islands (Kızıl Adalar) scattered across the sea.
How long is the flight from Kayseri to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Erkilet (ASR) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 360 miles (579 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kayseri to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Anatolian plateau westward, passing over the Sakarya River valley and the transition zone between central Anatolia's arid steppe and the more temperate Marmara region. The Bosphorus strait and Marmara Sea become visible approximately 20 minutes before landing.