Right-side seats capture the superior scenery at both ends: Hong Kong's dramatic harbour and urban landscape during departure, and during the long westbound cruise, right-side seats face toward Central Asia, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian Sea region—more visually interesting than the left-side view of northern Russia and Kazakhstan's flat steppes.
Flown HKG to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Pendik, Istanbul is 4,953 miles (7,971 km), a flight of about 10 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountain ranges (visible on clear days as a dramatic snow-capped ridge), the Caspian Sea's eastern shoreline, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending into Turkey. The Taklamakan Desert in western China and the Pamir Mountains are also crossed during the central portion of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories as the aircraft climbs westward over Hong Kong's urban landscape and surrounding waters.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, including the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl as the aircraft descends from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the superior scenery at both ends: Hong Kong's dramatic harbour and urban landscape during departure, and during the long westbound cruise, right-side seats face toward Central Asia, the Caucasus Mountains, and the Caspian Sea region—more visually interesting than the left-side view of northern Russia and Kazakhstan's flat steppes.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories as the aircraft climbs westward over Hong Kong's urban landscape and surrounding waters. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories, South China 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 approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen, including the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl as the aircraft descends from the east. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian Istanbul urban area, Pendik district.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 10 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,953 miles (7,971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountain ranges (visible on clear days as a dramatic snow-capped ridge), the Caspian Sea's eastern shoreline, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending into Turkey. The Taklamakan Desert in western China and the Pamir Mountains are also crossed during the central portion of the flight.