While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more sustained and varied visual interest: the Sea of Marmara, Bosporus strait, and Istanbul's unique transcontinental geography are more visually rewarding than the departure phase. Left seats capture these features optimally.
Flown BOM to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bombay to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,969 miles (4,778 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea northwest toward the Persian Gulf region, then transitions over the Zagros Mountains (western Iran), the Mesopotamian plains (Iraq), and the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey) before descending toward the Marmara Sea. Key visible features include: the Zagros range with its distinctive parallel ridges running northwest-southeast; the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys as linear green corridors through arid terrain; the Taurus Mountains as a major north-south barrier in southern Turkey; and the transition from desert and semi-arid plateaus to the more temperate Marmara region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOM
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Arabian Sea coastline and the Western Ghats mountain range as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Mumbai. The Ghats form a dramatic escarpment visible for 50+ miles during the initial climb phase.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosporus strait, and Istanbul's European and Asian districts during the descent approach to Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and urban sprawl are visually dominant on final approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bombay to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach provides more sustained and varied visual interest: the Sea of Marmara, Bosporus strait, and Istanbul's unique transcontinental geography are more visually rewarding than the departure phase. Left seats capture these features optimally.
What can I see during takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
During takeoff from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Arabian Sea coastline and the Western Ghats mountain range as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Mumbai. The Ghats form a dramatic escarpment visible for 50+ miles during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea (immediate west), Western Ghats (east-southeast, receding), Mumbai urban sprawl (south and southwest), Thane Creek estuary (southeast).
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 offer views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosporus strait, and Istanbul's European and Asian districts during the descent approach to Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and urban sprawl are visually dominant on final approach from the south. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (west and northwest), Bosporus strait (north), Istanbul urban area (west and north), Pendik district and airport surroundings (immediate south and east).
How long is the flight from Bombay to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,969 miles (4,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bombay to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea northwest toward the Persian Gulf region, then transitions over the Zagros Mountains (western Iran), the Mesopotamian plains (Iraq), and the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey) before descending toward the Marmara Sea. Key visible features include: the Zagros range with its distinctive parallel ridges running northwest-southeast; the Tigris and Euphrates river valleys as linear green corridors through arid terrain; the Taurus Mountains as a major north-south barrier in southern Turkey; and the transition from desert and semi-arid plateaus to the more temperate Marmara region.