Right-side seats capture the Alps on departure, which is the most visually dramatic segment. While the landing approach offers the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara on the left, the Alpine scenery from Geneva is more striking and sustained during climb-out.
Flown GVA to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Geneva to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,214 miles (1,953 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible from both sides depending on altitude and exact routing), then descends over the Balkans. Notable features include the Danube River valley in Serbia/Bulgaria, the Rhodope Mountains on the Bulgaria-Greece border, and the northern Aegean Sea before turning toward Istanbul. The Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara become visible 30-40 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›_Panoramica_del_centro_della_citt%C3%A0_dal_lago.jpg?width=600)
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from GVA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. Geneva's runway orientation (04/22) typically uses 22 for departures heading southeast, placing the Mont Blanc massif and high Alpine peaks on the right side as you climb out over the Rhône Valley.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The airport sits on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and standard approach vectors from the northwest place the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the European shore of Istanbul on the left side during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Geneva to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the Alps on departure, which is the most visually dramatic segment. While the landing approach offers the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara on the left, the Alpine scenery from Geneva is more striking and sustained during climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Geneva Cointrin in Geneva?
During takeoff from Geneva Cointrin (GVA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Alps immediately after departure. Geneva's runway orientation (04/22) typically uses 22 for departures heading southeast, placing the Mont Blanc massif and high Alpine peaks on the right side as you climb out over the Rhône Valley. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc (4,808 m), the Alps' highest peak; the Rhône Valley stretching south; Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the left; the Jura Mountains to the northwest.
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 views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The airport sits on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, and standard approach vectors from the northwest place the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the European shore of Istanbul on the left side during descent. Notable sights include: The Bosphorus strait separating Europe and Asia; the Sea of Marmara; European Istanbul's urban sprawl across the horizon; the Prince Islands (Kızıl Adalar) in the Sea of Marmara.
How long is the flight from Geneva to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Geneva Cointrin (GVA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,214 miles (1,953 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Geneva to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Alps (visible from both sides depending on altitude and exact routing), then descends over the Balkans. Notable features include the Danube River valley in Serbia/Bulgaria, the Rhodope Mountains on the Bulgaria-Greece border, and the northern Aegean Sea before turning toward Istanbul. The Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara become visible 30-40 minutes before landing.