While left offers Delhi's urban departure views, right provides superior scenery for most of the flight: the Indus River valley in Pakistan, the Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, and the dramatic approach to Istanbul over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus.
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Flight Path
Delhi to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,807 miles (4,517 km), a flight of about 5 hours 50 minutes.
Indus River valley in Pakistan (visible as a green ribbon through arid terrain), Hindu Kush mountain range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border with snow-capped peaks, Pamir Mountains and Wakhan Corridor region on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, Caspian Sea's eastern shore near the Iran-Turkmenistan border, Caucasus Mountains visible to the north as the flight approaches the Black Sea region
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEL
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Yamuna River floodplain and the sprawling urban grid of Delhi as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces south toward industrial suburbs with less distinctive visual features.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. Left side faces the Anatolian plateau interior with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Delhi to Pendik, Istanbul. While left offers Delhi's urban departure views, right provides superior scenery for most of the flight: the Indus River valley in Pakistan, the Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, and the dramatic approach to Istanbul over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus.
What can I see during takeoff from Indira Gandhi International in Delhi?
During takeoff from Indira Gandhi International (DEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Yamuna River floodplain and the sprawling urban grid of Delhi as the aircraft climbs northwest. Right side faces south toward industrial suburbs with less distinctive visual features. Notable sights include: Yamuna River (visible as a winding ribbon through the city), Delhi's urban sprawl extending to the horizon, Aravalli Hills as a distant ridge to the southwest.
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 Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's distinctive geography as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. Left side faces the Anatolian plateau interior with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (large body of water with visible shipping lanes), Bosphorus Strait (narrow waterway connecting Marmara to the Black Sea), Istanbul's urban sprawl on both European and Asian sides, Prince Islands (small islands visible in the Marmara).
How long is the flight from Delhi to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Indira Gandhi International (DEL) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 5 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,807 miles (4,517 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Delhi to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Indus River valley in Pakistan (visible as a green ribbon through arid terrain), Hindu Kush mountain range along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border with snow-capped peaks, Pamir Mountains and Wakhan Corridor region on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, Caspian Sea's eastern shore near the Iran-Turkmenistan border, Caucasus Mountains visible to the north as the flight approaches the Black Sea region