While left offers excellent Osaka departure views, right side dominates the longer middle and landing phases of this 11+ hour flight. The right side captures the Seto Inland Sea (post-climb), the entire westbound routing over the East China Sea and continental Asia, and the critical Bosphorus/Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul.
Flown ITM to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Osaka to Pendik, Istanbul is 5,417 miles (8,718 km), a flight of about 11 hours 25 minutes.
East China Sea, Korean Peninsula (distant, far north), Yellow Sea, China's eastern coastline, Central Asian plateau terrain, Caspian Sea region, Caucasus Mountains, Anatolia plateau, and the transition into the Marmara Sea basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ITM
LEFTLeft side offers views of Osaka Bay and the Kobe-Osaka urban corridor immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwest over the Seto Inland Sea, making the left side the scenic advantage for the first 20-30 minutes of flight.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Marmara Sea approach and the Bosphorus strait during descent into Istanbul. The aircraft descends from the northwest over water, making the right side optimal for seeing the strait's geography and the Asian coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Osaka International (ITM) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Osaka to Pendik, Istanbul. While left offers excellent Osaka departure views, right side dominates the longer middle and landing phases of this 11+ hour flight. The right side captures the Seto Inland Sea (post-climb), the entire westbound routing over the East China Sea and continental Asia, and the critical Bosphorus/Marmara Sea approach into Istanbul.
What can I see during takeoff from Osaka International in Osaka?
During takeoff from Osaka International (ITM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Osaka Bay and the Kobe-Osaka urban corridor immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwest over the Seto Inland Sea, making the left side the scenic advantage for the first 20-30 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Osaka Bay, Kobe city skyline, Seto Inland Sea, Awaji Island.
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 provides views of the Marmara Sea approach and the Bosphorus strait during descent into Istanbul. The aircraft descends from the northwest over water, making the right side optimal for seeing the strait's geography and the Asian coastline. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Marmara Sea, Asian coastline near Pendik, Prince Islands.
How long is the flight from Osaka to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Osaka International (ITM) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 11 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,417 miles (8,718 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Osaka to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
East China Sea, Korean Peninsula (distant, far north), Yellow Sea, China's eastern coastline, Central Asian plateau terrain, Caspian Sea region, Caucasus Mountains, Anatolia plateau, and the transition into the Marmara Sea basin