The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Atlantic coastline and river delta at departure, followed by the Sahara Desert and North African geography during the long cruise phase, and finally the Marmara Sea approach. Left-side views during cruise are primarily over featureless Mediterranean water and the Libyan/Tunisian interior.
Flown COO to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cotonou to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,907 miles (4,678 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea for approximately 3.5 hours after leaving the West African coast. Notable features include the Libyan and Tunisian coastlines (visible on the left during the southern Mediterranean crossing), the Pelagian Islands and Malta region in the central Mediterranean, and the Greek islands of the Dodecanese and southern Aegean as the aircraft approaches Turkish airspace. The North African Sahara interior is visible on the left during the initial westbound leg over the Mediterranean. The Nile Delta region may be visible on the left depending on exact routing. The final approach into Istanbul crosses the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus region with views of both European and Asian Istanbul.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from COO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ouémé River delta and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northward from Cotonou. The river's braided channels and lagoon systems are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Marmara Sea, the European side of Istanbul, and the approach over the Bosphorus strait. As the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side, the left window frames the dramatic water body and the city's sprawling geography across both continents.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cotonou to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Atlantic coastline and river delta at departure, followed by the Sahara Desert and North African geography during the long cruise phase, and finally the Marmara Sea approach. Left-side views during cruise are primarily over featureless Mediterranean water and the Libyan/Tunisian interior.
What can I see during takeoff from Cotonou Cadjehoun in Cotonou?
During takeoff from Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Ouémé River delta and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs northward from Cotonou. The river's braided channels and lagoon systems are clearly visible during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Ouémé River delta, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Cotonou city grid, Nokoué Lake.
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 of the Marmara Sea, the European side of Istanbul, and the approach over the Bosphorus strait. As the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side, the left window frames the dramatic water body and the city's sprawling geography across both continents. Notable sights include: Marmara Sea, Bosphorus Strait, European Istanbul skyline, Prince's Islands.
How long is the flight from Cotonou to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Cotonou Cadjehoun (COO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,907 miles (4,678 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cotonou to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea for approximately 3.5 hours after leaving the West African coast. Notable features include the Libyan and Tunisian coastlines (visible on the left during the southern Mediterranean crossing), the Pelagian Islands and Malta region in the central Mediterranean, and the Greek islands of the Dodecanese and southern Aegean as the aircraft approaches Turkish airspace. The North African Sahara interior is visible on the left during the initial westbound leg over the Mediterranean. The Nile Delta region may be visible on the left depending on exact routing. The final approach into Istanbul crosses the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus region with views of both European and Asian Istanbul.