While takeoff from Istanbul favors the right, the landing approach into Addis Ababa on the left is more visually rewarding—the Ethiopian Highlands are far more dramatic and distinctive than Istanbul's coastal plains. The left side captures the most striking geography of this route.
Flown SAW to ADD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Addis Ababa is 2,281 miles (3,671 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, then over the Levant and Arabian Peninsula. Notable features include the Nile Delta and Nile Valley (visible on left side during mid-flight), the Red Sea (far to the left/south), and the transition from the Arabian Peninsula's arid terrain into the Ethiopian Highlands as the aircraft approaches Addis Ababa from the northwest. The descent into Addis Ababa reveals the dramatic shift from plateau to the city's elevated terrain.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately.
Landing at ADD
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Ethiopian Highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the west. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest, so left-side passengers see the dramatic mountainous terrain surrounding the city and the urban sprawl of Addis Ababa itself during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Bole International (ADD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Addis Ababa. While takeoff from Istanbul favors the right, the landing approach into Addis Ababa on the left is more visually rewarding—the Ethiopian Highlands are far more dramatic and distinctive than Istanbul's coastal plains. The left side captures the most striking geography of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's Asian shore and Pendik district, Bosphorus strait (distant, northward), Anatolian Plateau beginning to rise eastward.
What can I see when landing at Bole International in Addis Ababa?
When landing at Bole International (ADD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Ethiopian Highlands and the approach to Addis Ababa from the west. Aircraft typically descend from the northwest, so left-side passengers see the dramatic mountainous terrain surrounding the city and the urban sprawl of Addis Ababa itself during final approach. Notable sights include: Ethiopian Highlands (Entoto Mountains), Addis Ababa city sprawl and Meskel Square area, Awash River valley (distant, southeast), volcanic plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Addis Ababa?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Bole International (ADD) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,281 miles (3,671 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Addis Ababa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, then over the Levant and Arabian Peninsula. Notable features include the Nile Delta and Nile Valley (visible on left side during mid-flight), the Red Sea (far to the left/south), and the transition from the Arabian Peninsula's arid terrain into the Ethiopian Highlands as the aircraft approaches Addis Ababa from the northwest. The descent into Addis Ababa reveals the dramatic shift from plateau to the city's elevated terrain.