Madinah to Pendik, Istanbul flight pathMEDSAW

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Flight time3h 10m
Distance1,279
Heading335° → 329°
Best side
Right
★ 2.5 left·★ 3.5 right

Right-side seats score higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because the route's northbound departure from Madinah and typical northeast approach to Istanbul both favor the right side. Departures offer Madinah's urban core and plateau transition; the cruise crosses the Arabian Peninsula and Levant with moderate terrain variation; and the approach delivers the dramatic Marmara Sea and Bosphorus strait views with Istanbul's dense urban waterfront. Left-side views are dominated by inland desert and plateau with minimal landmark density.

Flown MED to SAW? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Madinah to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,279 miles (2,058 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.

Arabian plateau and Hijaz Mountains (Saudi Arabia), Levantine plateau and Anti-Lebanon range (Syria/Lebanon border region), Mediterranean coastal plains (northern Levant), Anatolian plateau (southern Turkey), approach over Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus strait

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from MED

RIGHT

Right-side departures from MED typically head north or northeast, offering views of Madinah's urban sprawl and the transition to the Arabian plateau. Left-side departures see mostly inland desert plateau with minimal landmarks.

Madinah city centerAl-Masjid an-Nabawitransition zone from urban development to arid plateau
MED Prince Mohammad Bin AbdulazizHub for Saudia, Flynas, Flyadeal

Landing at SAW

RIGHT

Right-side approaches to SAW typically descend over the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus strait, offering dramatic water views and Istanbul's urban density. Left-side approaches see mostly inland Anatolian plateau and suburban sprawl without major scenic features.

Sea of MarmaraBosphorus straitIstanbul's European and Asian shorelinesPendik 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 Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madinah to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats score higher (3.5 vs 2.5) because the route's northbound departure from Madinah and typical northeast approach to Istanbul both favor the right side. Departures offer Madinah's urban core and plateau transition; the cruise crosses the Arabian Peninsula and Levant with moderate terrain variation; and the approach delivers the dramatic Marmara Sea and Bosphorus strait views with Istanbul's dense urban waterfront. Left-side views are dominated by inland desert and plateau with minimal landmark density.

What can I see during takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?

During takeoff from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side departures from MED typically head north or northeast, offering views of Madinah's urban sprawl and the transition to the Arabian plateau. Left-side departures see mostly inland desert plateau with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Madinah city center, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (visible as white structure complex), transition zone from urban development to arid plateau.

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 approaches to SAW typically descend over the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus strait, offering dramatic water views and Istanbul's urban density. Left-side approaches see mostly inland Anatolian plateau and suburban sprawl without major scenic features. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Istanbul's European and Asian shorelines, Pendik peninsula.

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

The flight from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,279 miles (2,058 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

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

Arabian plateau and Hijaz Mountains (Saudi Arabia), Levantine plateau and Anti-Lebanon range (Syria/Lebanon border region), Mediterranean coastal plains (northern Levant), Anatolian plateau (southern Turkey), approach over Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus strait