While takeoff offers pleasant local scenery, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and geographically significant views of the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea, and the city's unique transcontinental setting. Right side seats capture this better during descent.
Flown MBW to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Pendik, Istanbul is 9,083 miles (14,618 km), a flight of about 14 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf region, and the Caucasus Mountains before reaching the Black Sea and descending into Istanbul. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Hormuz (if routed south), the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea region, and the Caucasus range forming the southern border of the Black Sea approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
LEFTLeft side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwest from Moorabbin. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide clear visual reference during initial climb.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's European and Asian shorelines during descent into Sabiha Gökçen. The water body's distinctive geography and urban density on both sides of the strait create compelling visual landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers pleasant local scenery, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and geographically significant views of the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea, and the city's unique transcontinental setting. Right side seats capture this better during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges as the aircraft climbs northwest from Moorabbin. The bay's distinctive shape and the forested ridgeline provide clear visual reference during initial climb. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD skyline, Yarra River estuary.
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, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's European and Asian shorelines during descent into Sabiha Gökçen. The water body's distinctive geography and urban density on both sides of the strait create compelling visual landmarks. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Asian side Istanbul urban sprawl, Prince Islands archipelago.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 14 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,083 miles (14,618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf region, and the Caucasus Mountains before reaching the Black Sea and descending into Istanbul. Notable midpoint features include the Strait of Hormuz (if routed south), the Zagros Mountains of Iran, the Caspian Sea region, and the Caucasus range forming the southern border of the Black Sea approach.