While the takeoff offers striking views of the Øresund Strait on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's sprawling Asian suburbs, and the transition from water to urban landscape. Left-side seats capture more visually distinctive features during the longer, more scenic descent phase.
Flown CPH to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Copenhagen to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,266 miles (2,038 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Europe heading southeast, passing over or near the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left around 2 hours into flight), the Danube River valley in Romania, and the Bulgarian highlands. The Black Sea coast appears on the right as the aircraft approaches Turkish airspace. The transition from temperate European terrain to the drier Anatolian landscape is gradual but noticeable by mid-flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPH
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coast during the initial climb-out heading southeast. The strait's distinctive narrow waterway between Denmark and Sweden is a striking geographic feature visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Marmara Sea, the Asian coastline, and the city of Pendik sprawling across the landscape before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff offers striking views of the Øresund Strait on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's sprawling Asian suburbs, and the transition from water to urban landscape. Left-side seats capture more visually distinctive features during the longer, more scenic descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Øresund Strait and the Swedish coast during the initial climb-out heading southeast. The strait's distinctive narrow waterway between Denmark and Sweden is a striking geographic feature visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait, Swedish coastline (Scania region), Copenhagen city sprawl to the left, Amager Island below.
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 Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the Marmara Sea, the Asian coastline, and the city of Pendik sprawling across the landscape before touchdown. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront and urban development, Anatolian plateau terrain, Istanbul's Asian suburbs.
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,266 miles (2,038 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Copenhagen to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Europe heading southeast, passing over or near the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left around 2 hours into flight), the Danube River valley in Romania, and the Bulgarian highlands. The Black Sea coast appears on the right as the aircraft approaches Turkish airspace. The transition from temperate European terrain to the drier Anatolian landscape is gradual but noticeable by mid-flight.