Right-side seats dominate both takeoff and landing phases. The departure offers views of Istanbul's maritime geography and the Sea of Marmara, while the arrival provides dramatic views of the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, and Mumbai's coastal approach. Left seats would see mostly inland terrain and less distinctive features on both legs.
Flown SAW to BOM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Bombay is 2,969 miles (4,778 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Anatolian Plateau (central Turkey), then descends toward the Levantine coast near Syria/Lebanon. Over the Mediterranean and eastern Mediterranean, you may see Cyprus as a landmass if flying at optimal altitude and weather permits. The route then crosses the Arabian Peninsula, with views of the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), the Syrian Desert, and eventually the Arabian Peninsula's western edge before reaching the Arabian Sea and the Indian coast. The Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border region) may be visible to the left on the southeasterly routing, appearing as a distant ridge. Most of the midpoint flight occurs over water (Mediterranean and Arabian Sea) or sparsely populated desert terrain with limited distinctive landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the Bosphorus strait and the city's eastern sprawl before heading toward the Anatolian plateau.
Landing at BOM
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Mumbai. You'll see the Arabian Sea coastline, the Western Ghats mountains inland, and the approach over the Thane Creek and Colaba Peninsula before landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji.
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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 Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Bombay. Right-side seats dominate both takeoff and landing phases. The departure offers views of Istanbul's maritime geography and the Sea of Marmara, while the arrival provides dramatic views of the Arabian Sea, Western Ghats, and Mumbai's coastal approach. Left seats would see mostly inland terrain and less distinctive features on both legs.
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 as the aircraft climbs southeastward. You'll see the Bosphorus strait and the city's eastern sprawl before heading toward the Anatolian plateau. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul urban area (Pendik district and eastern suburbs), Prince Islands (Kınalıada and Burgazada visible as small landmasses in the sea).
What can I see when landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International in Bombay?
When landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Mumbai. You'll see the Arabian Sea coastline, the Western Ghats mountains inland, and the approach over the Thane Creek and Colaba Peninsula before landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji. Notable sights include: Arabian Sea, Western Ghats mountain range (visible inland as a dark ridge), Thane Creek and mangrove areas, Mumbai city sprawl and Colaba Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Bombay?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Chhatrapati Shivaji International (BOM) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,969 miles (4,778 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Bombay flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Anatolian Plateau (central Turkey), then descends toward the Levantine coast near Syria/Lebanon. Over the Mediterranean and eastern Mediterranean, you may see Cyprus as a landmass if flying at optimal altitude and weather permits. The route then crosses the Arabian Peninsula, with views of the Taurus Mountains (southern Turkey), the Syrian Desert, and eventually the Arabian Peninsula's western edge before reaching the Arabian Sea and the Indian coast. The Zagros Mountains (Iran-Iraq border region) may be visible to the left on the southeasterly routing, appearing as a distant ridge. Most of the midpoint flight occurs over water (Mediterranean and Arabian Sea) or sparsely populated desert terrain with limited distinctive landmarks.