While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach—which offers more sustained and dramatic views of Jakarta's coastal geography and the Java Sea—makes left the better overall choice for this route.
Flown SAW to CGK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Jakarta is 5,843 miles (9,403 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passes over the Indian subcontinent (views of the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau possible on the left during daylight), then continues southeast over the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman Sea and northern Sumatra's coastline and mountains appear on the left during the final approach phase into Jakarta. The Strait of Malacca region is crossed in the southern portion of the route.
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 during the initial climb-out eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and coastal development are immediately visible and dramatic during the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at CGK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Jakarta's northern coastal approach, including the Java Sea, Jakarta Bay, and the city's waterfront districts during descent. The approach path typically brings aircraft in from the north, making the left side ideal for seeing the urban sprawl and water features.
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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 Soekarno Hatta International (CGK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Jakarta. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach—which offers more sustained and dramatic views of Jakarta's coastal geography and the Java Sea—makes left the better overall choice for 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 during the initial climb-out eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and coastal development are immediately visible and dramatic during the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront and residential districts, Bosphorus strait (distant), Anatolian Plateau rising to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Soekarno Hatta International in Jakarta?
When landing at Soekarno Hatta International (CGK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Jakarta's northern coastal approach, including the Java Sea, Jakarta Bay, and the city's waterfront districts during descent. The approach path typically brings aircraft in from the north, making the left side ideal for seeing the urban sprawl and water features. Notable sights include: Java Sea, Jakarta Bay, Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) archipelago, Jakarta's northern coastal districts and port facilities.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Jakarta?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Soekarno Hatta International (CGK) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,843 miles (9,403 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Jakarta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Sea, passes over the Indian subcontinent (views of the Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau possible on the left during daylight), then continues southeast over the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman Sea and northern Sumatra's coastline and mountains appear on the left during the final approach phase into Jakarta. The Strait of Malacca region is crossed in the southern portion of the route.