While the takeoff offers excellent Hudson River and Manhattan views from the left, the landing approach over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus from the right is the more dramatic and geographically distinctive segment of this transatlantic route. Right seats capture the iconic water features that define Istanbul's geography.
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Flight Path
Newark to Pendik, Istanbul is 5,040 miles (8,111 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then passes over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable landmarks along the route include the British Isles, the Alps (visible from cruising altitude as a distant snow-capped ridge), and the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Over southeastern Europe, the flight descends toward the Balkans and the Black Sea region before turning south toward Istanbul. The Danube River delta and the Black Sea coastline are visible during the final descent phase.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey's industrial areas with minimal scenic value.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The approach from the west crosses directly over these water features before reaching the airport on Istanbul's eastern shore.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff offers excellent Hudson River and Manhattan views from the left, the landing approach over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus from the right is the more dramatic and geographically distinctive segment of this transatlantic route. Right seats capture the iconic water features that define Istanbul's geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey's industrial areas with minimal scenic value. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, New Jersey Palisades, Upper New York Bay.
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 seats provide views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul as the aircraft descends toward Sabiha Gökçen. The approach from the west crosses directly over these water features before reaching the airport on Istanbul's eastern shore. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Asian Istanbul coastline, Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Newark to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,040 miles (8,111 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, then passes over the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Notable landmarks along the route include the British Isles, the Alps (visible from cruising altitude as a distant snow-capped ridge), and the Carpathian Mountains in Romania. Over southeastern Europe, the flight descends toward the Balkans and the Black Sea region before turning south toward Istanbul. The Danube River delta and the Black Sea coastline are visible during the final descent phase.