The right side captures the dramatic Aegean departure and the scenic Cretan highlands during climb-out, which is the most visually distinctive phase of this route. While the left side offers good landing views, the takeoff scenery from the right is more compelling and memorable.
Flight Path
Aegean Sea with scattered Greek islands (Naxos, Paros visible to the north), Turkish Aegean coastline near Izmir region, transition from island-dotted waters to the mainland Turkish plateau, Marmara Sea approach with shipping traffic
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HER
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of Crete's northern coastline and the Aegean Sea as you climb out. You'll see the transition from Heraklion's urban sprawl to the rugged Cretan interior and the open water stretching north toward the Turkish coast.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik district where Sabiha Gökçen sits. The approach typically brings you over the water and industrial areas east of the city.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Heraklion to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side captures the dramatic Aegean departure and the scenic Cretan highlands during climb-out, which is the most visually distinctive phase of this route. While the left side offers good landing views, the takeoff scenery from the right is more compelling and memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis in Heraklion?
During takeoff from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of Crete's northern coastline and the Aegean Sea as you climb out. You'll see the transition from Heraklion's urban sprawl to the rugged Cretan interior and the open water stretching north toward the Turkish coast. Notable sights include: Heraklion city and harbor, Cretan mountain ranges (Psiloritis visible to the west), Aegean Sea coastline.
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 the approach to Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the Pendik district where Sabiha Gökçen sits. The approach typically brings you over the water and industrial areas east of the city. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul skyline and Pendik industrial zone, Kocaeli Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Heraklion to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Nikos Kazantzakis (HER) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Heraklion to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Aegean Sea with scattered Greek islands (Naxos, Paros visible to the north), Turkish Aegean coastline near Izmir region, transition from island-dotted waters to the mainland Turkish plateau, Marmara Sea approach with shipping traffic