While the landing on the left is spectacular, the takeoff from Nairobi on the right offers more sustained scenic value during the initial climb, with clear views of the city, highlands, and Rift Valley escarpment. The flight path northeastward means the right side captures the most dramatic terrain transitions.
Flown NBO to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Nairobi to Pendik, Istanbul is 2,956 miles (4,757 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian Highlands (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Red Sea's western shore near Eritrea and Sudan, the Nile River valley in northern Sudan, and the Egyptian desert before crossing the Mediterranean toward Turkey. The Suez Canal region and the Sinai Peninsula are passed to the west. The flight then crosses the eastern Mediterranean, with Cyprus potentially visible to the south before approaching the Turkish coast and the Sea of Marmara.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NBO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Nairobi metropolitan area and the surrounding highlands as the aircraft climbs. The city sprawls across elevated terrain, and you'll see the urban grid give way to the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the west.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Sea of Marmara's eastern waters, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the Asian side of Istanbul with its urban development and waterfront features as you descend toward Pendik.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Nairobi to Pendik, Istanbul. While the landing on the left is spectacular, the takeoff from Nairobi on the right offers more sustained scenic value during the initial climb, with clear views of the city, highlands, and Rift Valley escarpment. The flight path northeastward means the right side captures the most dramatic terrain transitions.
What can I see during takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
During takeoff from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Nairobi metropolitan area and the surrounding highlands as the aircraft climbs. The city sprawls across elevated terrain, and you'll see the urban grid give way to the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the west. Notable sights include: Nairobi city center and suburbs, Great Rift Valley western escarpment, Ngong Hills to the southwest, highland plateaus transitioning to valley floor.
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 the approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. You'll see the Sea of Marmara's eastern waters, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the Asian side of Istanbul with its urban development and waterfront features as you descend toward Pendik. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait (northern entrance), Istanbul's Asian-side urban districts, Prince's Islands archipelago.
How long is the flight from Nairobi to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,956 miles (4,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Nairobi to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ethiopian Highlands (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Red Sea's western shore near Eritrea and Sudan, the Nile River valley in northern Sudan, and the Egyptian desert before crossing the Mediterranean toward Turkey. The Suez Canal region and the Sinai Peninsula are passed to the west. The flight then crosses the eastern Mediterranean, with Cyprus potentially visible to the south before approaching the Turkish coast and the Sea of Marmara.