While the takeoff offers pleasant Midlands scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive views of the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff for overall scenic value on this route.
Flown BHX to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,657 miles (2,666 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds over northern France and the Alps. Notable features include the Alps mountain range (visible as a snow-capped ridge during clear conditions), the Rhône valley, and the Danube basin. The aircraft then crosses the Balkans, with views of the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Rhodope Mountains. The final approach crosses the Aegean Sea and enters Turkish airspace over Thrace, with the Sea of Marmara becoming prominent in the descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from BHX. The rolling terrain and distinctive ridge line of the Malverns are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to SAW. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, passengers see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik peninsula where the airport is located.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham (BHX) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff offers pleasant Midlands scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive views of the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Istanbul's geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff for overall scenic value on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham (BHX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from BHX. The rolling terrain and distinctive ridge line of the Malverns are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Malvern Hills, Cotswolds plateau, River Severn valley, Worcester city.
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 excellent views during the approach to SAW. As the aircraft descends from the northwest, passengers see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik peninsula where the airport is located. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Pendik peninsula, Asian Istanbul urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Birmingham (BHX) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,657 miles (2,666 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the English Channel, then proceeds over northern France and the Alps. Notable features include the Alps mountain range (visible as a snow-capped ridge during clear conditions), the Rhône valley, and the Danube basin. The aircraft then crosses the Balkans, with views of the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Rhodope Mountains. The final approach crosses the Aegean Sea and enters Turkish airspace over Thrace, with the Sea of Marmara becoming prominent in the descent phase.