While takeoff offers Dubai coastal views on the right, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and varied scenery on the left, including the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Prince Islands. The left side captures the most visually distinctive features of the destination.
Flown DXB to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dubai to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,844 miles (2,968 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Persian Gulf, then over southern Iran (Hormuz Strait region), across the Zagros Mountains, over Iraq and Syria, and into Turkey. Notable features include the Zagros Mountain range (appearing as parallel ridges running northwest-southeast), the Euphrates River valley in Syria, and the Anatolian plateau as you approach Turkey. The Taurus Mountains become visible as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DXB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Dubai's coastal development and the Persian Gulf as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the distinctive palm-shaped islands and Dubai's urban sprawl receding below.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul with its urban landscape and water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dubai International (DXB) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dubai to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers Dubai coastal views on the right, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and varied scenery on the left, including the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Prince Islands. The left side captures the most visually distinctive features of the destination.
What can I see during takeoff from Dubai International in Dubai?
During takeoff from Dubai International (DXB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Dubai's coastal development and the Persian Gulf as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the distinctive palm-shaped islands and Dubai's urban sprawl receding below. Notable sights include: Palm Jumeirah (artificial islands), Dubai coastline, Persian Gulf, Jebel Ali port.
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 descent into Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul with its urban landscape and water features. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul urban area (Asian side), Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Dubai to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Dubai International (DXB) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,844 miles (2,968 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dubai to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Persian Gulf, then over southern Iran (Hormuz Strait region), across the Zagros Mountains, over Iraq and Syria, and into Turkey. Notable features include the Zagros Mountain range (appearing as parallel ridges running northwest-southeast), the Euphrates River valley in Syria, and the Anatolian plateau as you approach Turkey. The Taurus Mountains become visible as the aircraft descends toward Istanbul.