Right seats provide superior scenery for most of the flight. Takeoff offers the Marmara Sea and Istanbul's eastern landscape, and during the cruise phase over the Mediterranean, right-side seats face the Syrian and Lebanese coasts as they approach. Left seats only gain advantage during the final descent into Beirut.
Flown SAW to BEY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Beirut is 595 miles (957 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, passing over open water for most of the journey. Notable features include the Cyprus coastline (visible to the south if flying a slightly southern routing), the transition from Turkish to Syrian airspace, and the approach to the Lebanese coast with the Taurus Mountains visible to the north in the distance. The Anti-Lebanon range becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Beirut from the northwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Marmara Sea and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right seats face south toward the water and the city's eastern districts.
Landing at BEY
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Beirut. The aircraft approaches from the north-northwest over the Mediterranean, and left seats face the Lebanese coastline, Mount Lebanon range, and the city of Beirut itself as you descend toward the runway.
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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 Beirut International (BEY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Beirut. Right seats provide superior scenery for most of the flight. Takeoff offers the Marmara Sea and Istanbul's eastern landscape, and during the cruise phase over the Mediterranean, right-side seats face the Syrian and Lebanese coasts as they approach. Left seats only gain advantage during the final descent into Beirut.
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 capture the Marmara Sea and the Asian side of Istanbul's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, so right seats face south toward the water and the city's eastern districts. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (immediate south), Istanbul's eastern urban districts (Pendik, Tuzla), Princes' Islands (visible as small landmasses in the Marmara), Asian coastline receding westward.
What can I see when landing at Beirut International in Beirut?
When landing at Beirut International (BEY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Beirut. The aircraft approaches from the north-northwest over the Mediterranean, and left seats face the Lebanese coastline, Mount Lebanon range, and the city of Beirut itself as you descend toward the runway. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (immediate west), Beirut's urban waterfront and harbor, Mount Lebanon range (snow-capped in winter, visible inland), Anti-Lebanon Mountains (distant eastern horizon).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Beirut?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Beirut International (BEY) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 595 miles (957 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Beirut flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the eastern Mediterranean, passing over open water for most of the journey. Notable features include the Cyprus coastline (visible to the south if flying a slightly southern routing), the transition from Turkish to Syrian airspace, and the approach to the Lebanese coast with the Taurus Mountains visible to the north in the distance. The Anti-Lebanon range becomes increasingly prominent as you approach Beirut from the northwest.