SAW

Best window seat at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

Which side of the plane?

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

Taking offLEFT

Sea of Marmara, Istanbul urban sprawl and Pendik district, Bosphorus strait

LandingRIGHT

Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Pendik waterfront and harbor

🛫 Taking Off from Pendik, Istanbul (SAW)

Best sideLeft
WhyDeparting runway 24L heads southwest over the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul. The left side offers views of the sprawling city, the Marmara coastline, and the Bosphorus strait in the distance as you climb. The right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Look forSea of Marmara (immediate southwest), Istanbul urban sprawl and Pendik district (left and below), Bosphorus strait (visible on horizon to northwest at higher altitudes), Prince Islands (small silhouettes on the Marmara, visible mid-distance to left)

🛬 Landing at Pendik, Istanbul (SAW)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 06R (the most common arrival runway) means you're approaching from the northeast over the Sea of Marmara. The right side offers views of the Asian shoreline, the Bosphorus strait to the north, and the city sprawl of Pendik and Kartal as you descend. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Look forSea of Marmara (foreground water during approach), Bosphorus Strait (visible to the north as a narrow waterway), Pendik waterfront and harbor (middle distance right), Kartal district urban development (right side during final descent)
IstanbulPhoto: enaerguvan .

Sabiha Gökçen is Istanbul's secondary airport, located on the Asian side of the city about 30km from the historic center, and serves primarily as a base for low-cost carriers with a single main passenger terminal.

⛰️ Elevation312 ft
🛫 Runways2 (06R/24L, 06L/24R)
✈️ HubPegasus Airlines
📍 NearbyIST 40 miYEI 47 miTEQ 75 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?

At Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Sea of Marmara (immediate southwest), Istanbul urban sprawl and Pendik district (left and below), Bosphorus strait (visible on horizon to northwest at higher altitudes), Prince Islands (small silhouettes on the Marmara, visible mid-distance to left).

What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?

When taking off from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing runway 24L heads southwest over the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul. The left side offers views of the sprawling city, the Marmara coastline, and the Bosphorus strait in the distance as you climb. The right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (immediate southwest), Istanbul urban sprawl and Pendik district (left and below), Bosphorus strait (visible on horizon to northwest at higher altitudes), Prince Islands (small silhouettes on the Marmara, visible mid-distance to left).

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. Landing on runway 06R (the most common arrival runway) means you're approaching from the northeast over the Sea of Marmara. The right side offers views of the Asian shoreline, the Bosphorus strait to the north, and the city sprawl of Pendik and Kartal as you descend. The left side faces inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (foreground water during approach), Bosphorus Strait (visible to the north as a narrow waterway), Pendik waterfront and harbor (middle distance right), Kartal district urban development (right side during final descent).

What factors affect the best window seat at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?

The best window seat at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Pendik, Istanbul (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.