London to Pendik, Istanbul flight pathLCYSAW

Sit on the left side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time4h 25m
Distance1,565
Heading106° → 128°
Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 3.5 left·★ 2.5 right

Left-side seats score higher due to superior takeoff scenery from London (Thames, Docklands, central city views during the dramatic initial climb), which outweighs the right side's advantage on arrival. The cruise phase over the Mediterranean and Balkans offers similar views from both sides, but London's iconic urban geography and water features during departure provide more memorable and distinctive scenery than Istanbul's approach over the Marmara.

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Flight Path

Flight path overview

London to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,565 miles (2,518 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.

English Channel and Dover Strait (narrow crossing with shipping lanes visible), French coast near Calais, Alps visible to the south during cruise (Mont Blanc region), Rhône Valley, Mediterranean coast near Provence, Balkans including Serbian and Bulgarian highlands, Danube River valley, Black Sea coast of Turkey, Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from London (left side) — River Thames with meanders through East London, Canary Wharf and Docklands skyline, Greenwich Peninsula, North Sea coast near Essex

Takeoff from LCY

LEFT

Runway 27 departures (prevailing westerly winds) offer immediate views of the Thames, Docklands, and central London's urban fabric before turning southeast toward the continent. Runway 09 eastbound departures miss the city entirely.

River Thames with meanders through East LondonCanary Wharf and Docklands skylineGreenwich PeninsulaNorth Sea coast near Essex
LCY CityHub for British Airways CityFlyer

Landing at SAW

RIGHT

Approaches to Istanbul typically descend over the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side's coastal geography. Right-side seats capture the Marmara's blue waters, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the dramatic transition from sea to Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape on the Asian shore before landing at Sabiha Gökçen.

Sea of Marmara with shipping trafficBosphorus strait entranceAsian Istanbul coastline with Pendik districtSabiha Gökçen airport complex on the peninsula
SAW Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International AirportHub for Pegasus Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Pendik, Istanbul. Left-side seats score higher due to superior takeoff scenery from London (Thames, Docklands, central city views during the dramatic initial climb), which outweighs the right side's advantage on arrival. The cruise phase over the Mediterranean and Balkans offers similar views from both sides, but London's iconic urban geography and water features during departure provide more memorable and distinctive scenery than Istanbul's approach over the Marmara.

What can I see during takeoff from City in London?

During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 27 departures (prevailing westerly winds) offer immediate views of the Thames, Docklands, and central London's urban fabric before turning southeast toward the continent. Runway 09 eastbound departures miss the city entirely. Notable sights include: River Thames with meanders through East London, Canary Wharf and Docklands skyline, Greenwich Peninsula, North Sea coast near Essex.

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. Approaches to Istanbul typically descend over the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side's coastal geography. Right-side seats capture the Marmara's blue waters, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the dramatic transition from sea to Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape on the Asian shore before landing at Sabiha Gökçen. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara with shipping traffic, Bosphorus strait entrance, Asian Istanbul coastline with Pendik district, Sabiha Gökçen airport complex on the peninsula.

How long is the flight from London to Pendik, Istanbul?

The flight from City (LCY) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,565 miles (2,518 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the London to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?

English Channel and Dover Strait (narrow crossing with shipping lanes visible), French coast near Calais, Alps visible to the south during cruise (Mont Blanc region), Rhône Valley, Mediterranean coast near Provence, Balkans including Serbian and Bulgarian highlands, Danube River valley, Black Sea coast of Turkey, Bosphorus strait, Sea of Marmara