The takeoff views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the industrial Ruhr landscape on approach. Right-side seats capture the most memorable scenic moment of this flight.
Flown SAW to DTM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Dortmund is 1,263 miles (2,032 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over Serbia and Hungary. Notable features include the Danube River valley in Serbia (visible during mid-flight), the transition from Mediterranean-influenced terrain to Central European plains, and the forested regions of southern Hungary before entering the industrial Ruhr region of western Germany.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound or northeastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and peninsulas that define Istanbul's geography.
Landing at DTM
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Ruhr Valley industrial landscape and the Rhine-Westphalia region during descent into Dortmund. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the patchwork of cities, rivers, and green spaces characteristic of western Germany's geography.
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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 Dortmund (DTM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Dortmund. The takeoff views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the industrial Ruhr landscape on approach. Right-side seats capture the most memorable scenic moment of this 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 seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound or northeastbound from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and peninsulas that define Istanbul's geography. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront, Asian shore of the Bosphorus region, Istanbul urban sprawl extending westward.
What can I see when landing at Dortmund in Dortmund?
When landing at Dortmund (DTM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Ruhr Valley industrial landscape and the Rhine-Westphalia region during descent into Dortmund. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers see the patchwork of cities, rivers, and green spaces characteristic of western Germany's geography. Notable sights include: Ruhr River valley, Rhine-Westphalia industrial zone, Dortmund city center, surrounding forested hills and agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Dortmund?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Dortmund (DTM) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,263 miles (2,032 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Dortmund flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans, passing over Serbia and Hungary. Notable features include the Danube River valley in Serbia (visible during mid-flight), the transition from Mediterranean-influenced terrain to Central European plains, and the forested regions of southern Hungary before entering the industrial Ruhr region of western Germany.