Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both takeoff (Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills) and offer comparable landing views to the left. The outbound experience is more visually rewarding.
Flown EDI to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,797 miles (2,893 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then passes over the Low Countries and northern France. Notable features include the English Channel (visible during the crossing), the Rhine Delta and Dutch coastline, the Ardennes plateau region, and the Rhine valley. Further southeast, the flight passes over the Carpathian Mountains' foothills and the Danube valley before descending into the Istanbul approach. The Danube and its broad valley are particularly striking in the mid-flight segment, appearing as a silvery ribbon winding through agricultural plains and low hills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Firth of Forth estuary and the Pentland Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Edinburgh. The water body and rolling terrain provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and city provide dramatic context for arrival.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for both takeoff (Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills) and offer comparable landing views to the left. The outbound experience is more visually rewarding.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Firth of Forth estuary and the Pentland Hills as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Edinburgh. The water body and rolling terrain provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, Edinburgh city center, Forth Road Bridge.
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 offer views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and city provide dramatic context for arrival. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul urban area, Asian side coastline.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,797 miles (2,893 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Sea, then passes over the Low Countries and northern France. Notable features include the English Channel (visible during the crossing), the Rhine Delta and Dutch coastline, the Ardennes plateau region, and the Rhine valley. Further southeast, the flight passes over the Carpathian Mountains' foothills and the Danube valley before descending into the Istanbul approach. The Danube and its broad valley are particularly striking in the mid-flight segment, appearing as a silvery ribbon winding through agricultural plains and low hills.