About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach over the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's dramatic coastal geography from the left side is more visually compelling and distinctive. The Marmara crossing is the flight's signature scenic moment.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Seine River winding through Paris and the surrounding Île-de-France plains as you climb out. The left side faces northwest toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Seine River, Paris urban sprawl, Fontainebleau Forest (distant, southeast), Marne River tributaries.
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 views of the Marmara Sea, the Asian coastline of Istanbul, and the approach over the Bosphorus strait. The right side faces the Anatolian plateau with fewer distinctive visual features during descent. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's Asian shoreline, Pendik district and SAW airport approach.
How long is the flight from Paris to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Paris to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans heading southeast. Notable features include the Danube River valley (visible around 1 hour into flight), the Rhodope Mountains between Bulgaria and Greece (appearing as a distant ridge), the Aegean Sea coast near Greece, and the transition into Turkish airspace over northwestern Anatolia. The approach to Istanbul brings views of the Dardanelles Strait and the Sea of Marmara, with the Bosphorus visible during final descent.