Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because it captures two distinct scenic sequences: Dakar's Atlantic coastal departure with harbor and island geography, then transitions to the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus approach into Istanbul—a major strait with significant urban and maritime interest. Left side remains over relatively flat Saharan terrain and open ocean for most of the flight, offering minimal landmark variety or dramatic geography.
Flown DSS to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dakar to Pendik, Istanbul is 3,310 miles (5,328 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
Mediterranean coast of North Africa (Algeria/Tunisia border region), Atlas Mountains foothills to the south, open Mediterranean Sea crossing, Greek islands (Crete visible on southern route variants), Aegean Sea approaches to Turkey
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSS
RIGHTRight side captures Dakar's Atlantic coastline and the Île de Gorée during initial climb, with the city's harbor and peninsula geography providing urban and maritime interest. Left side departs over inland Senegal with minimal terrain variation.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side offers the Sea of Marmara approach into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, with views of the Bosphorus strait, Asian shoreline, and the city's waterfront during descent and final approach. Left side crosses over Anatolian plateau with less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Blaise Diagne International (DSS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dakar to Pendik, Istanbul. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because it captures two distinct scenic sequences: Dakar's Atlantic coastal departure with harbor and island geography, then transitions to the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus approach into Istanbul—a major strait with significant urban and maritime interest. Left side remains over relatively flat Saharan terrain and open ocean for most of the flight, offering minimal landmark variety or dramatic geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Blaise Diagne International in Dakar?
During takeoff from Blaise Diagne International (DSS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Dakar's Atlantic coastline and the Île de Gorée during initial climb, with the city's harbor and peninsula geography providing urban and maritime interest. Left side departs over inland Senegal with minimal terrain variation. Notable sights include: Dakar peninsula and harbor, Île de Gorée (small but historically prominent island), Atlantic coastline, Senegal River delta to the north.
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 offers the Sea of Marmara approach into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, with views of the Bosphorus strait, Asian shoreline, and the city's waterfront during descent and final approach. Left side crosses over Anatolian plateau with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait entrance, Asian Istanbul waterfront and Pendik district, Anatolian hills and urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Dakar to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Blaise Diagne International (DSS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,310 miles (5,328 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dakar to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Mediterranean coast of North Africa (Algeria/Tunisia border region), Atlas Mountains foothills to the south, open Mediterranean Sea crossing, Greek islands (Crete visible on southern route variants), Aegean Sea approaches to Turkey