Right side scores higher (3.0 vs 2.5) due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. Takeoff offers Istanbul's urban waterfront and Sea of Marmara; landing provides the dramatic Dead Sea basin, Jordan Valley escarpment, and Amman's hillside topography. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless plateaus on both ends of the flight.
Flight Path
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Syria/Lebanon border region at distance), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (southern horizon during cruise), Palmyra plateau (Syrian interior, flat and featureless), transition from Anatolian to Levantine geography around the 35°E meridian
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight side captures Istanbul's urban sprawl and the Sea of Marmara during initial climb. The city's dense development and waterfront create immediate visual interest absent on the left, which faces inland Anatolian plains.
Landing at AMM
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery. Descent into Amman from the north reveals the Dead Sea basin, the Jordan Valley's dramatic topography, and the city's hillside development. Left side faces the flat Syrian plateau with minimal visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 Queen Alia International (AMM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Amman. Right side scores higher (3.0 vs 2.5) due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. Takeoff offers Istanbul's urban waterfront and Sea of Marmara; landing provides the dramatic Dead Sea basin, Jordan Valley escarpment, and Amman's hillside topography. Left side is dominated by flat, featureless plateaus on both ends of the flight.
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 captures Istanbul's urban sprawl and the Sea of Marmara during initial climb. The city's dense development and waterfront create immediate visual interest absent on the left, which faces inland Anatolian plains. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul urban districts (Pendik, Tuzla), Bosphorus strait (distant), Anatolian plateau (left side, flat).
What can I see when landing at Queen Alia International in Amman?
When landing at Queen Alia International (AMM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery. Descent into Amman from the north reveals the Dead Sea basin, the Jordan Valley's dramatic topography, and the city's hillside development. Left side faces the flat Syrian plateau with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Dead Sea (western horizon), Jordan Valley escarpment, Amman's hillside urban sprawl, Zarqa industrial zone (northeast).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Amman?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Queen Alia International (AMM) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Amman flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Syria/Lebanon border region at distance), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (southern horizon during cruise), Palmyra plateau (Syrian interior, flat and featureless), transition from Anatolian to Levantine geography around the 35°E meridian