Right-side seats score higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because they capture both the scenic departure over the Nile Delta and Mediterranean, and the dramatic arrival over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus strait. The left side offers only flat desert on departure and open water on arrival, with minimal landmark density. This 2-hour flight's visual interest concentrates on the right side's water features and urban transitions.
Flown HBE to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Alexandria to Pendik, Istanbul is 689 miles (1,109 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
Eastern Mediterranean open water (minimal features), southern Anatolia's coastal plains and low hills near the Turkish mainland, approach to the Marmara Sea basin with increasing urban density as the flight nears Istanbul
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HBE
RIGHTRight-side departures from HBE typically rotate northwest on runways 32L/32R, offering immediate views of Alexandria's Mediterranean harbor, the Nile Delta's intricate waterways, and the transition from urban sprawl to agricultural flatlands. Left side faces inland desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight-side arrivals into SAW typically descend on approach vectors from the southwest, offering views of the Marmara Sea's eastern shoreline, the Bosphorus strait's northern reaches, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape across the Asian side. Left side during descent faces the Black Sea and open water with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Alexandria International Airport (HBE) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alexandria to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats score higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because they capture both the scenic departure over the Nile Delta and Mediterranean, and the dramatic arrival over the Marmara Sea and Bosphorus strait. The left side offers only flat desert on departure and open water on arrival, with minimal landmark density. This 2-hour flight's visual interest concentrates on the right side's water features and urban transitions.
What can I see during takeoff from Alexandria International Airport in Alexandria?
During takeoff from Alexandria International Airport (HBE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side departures from HBE typically rotate northwest on runways 32L/32R, offering immediate views of Alexandria's Mediterranean harbor, the Nile Delta's intricate waterways, and the transition from urban sprawl to agricultural flatlands. Left side faces inland desert with minimal visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Alexandria harbor and breakwaters, Nile Delta distributaries and irrigation channels, Mediterranean coastline receding northward, urban grid of Alexandria fading into agricultural patchwork.
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 arrivals into SAW typically descend on approach vectors from the southwest, offering views of the Marmara Sea's eastern shoreline, the Bosphorus strait's northern reaches, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape across the Asian side. Left side during descent faces the Black Sea and open water with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Marmara Sea's eastern coastline with Pendik and Tuzla industrial zones, Bosphorus strait's northern section, Istanbul's Asian-side urban sprawl and harbor facilities, forested hills of the Anatolian plateau inland.
How long is the flight from Alexandria to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Alexandria International Airport (HBE) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 689 miles (1,109 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Alexandria to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean open water (minimal features), southern Anatolia's coastal plains and low hills near the Turkish mainland, approach to the Marmara Sea basin with increasing urban density as the flight nears Istanbul