While takeoff on the right offers good Istanbul coastal views, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained scenic interest—the Alpine foothills and Mur River valley are visually distinctive and occupy a larger portion of the descent. The left side captures the transition from Pannonian plains to Alpine terrain.
Flown SAW to GRZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Graz is 807 miles (1,298 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans northwestward, passing over southern Serbia and northern Bosnia. Notable features include the Dinaric Alps (visible as a series of ridges and valleys), the Danube River near the Serbia-Hungary border, and the Pannonian Plain as you approach Austria. The Sava River valley and various river systems create natural corridors through the mountainous terrain. Lake Balaton in Hungary may be visible on clear days as the aircraft approaches Austrian airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
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 out northwestward. You'll see the coastline, islands, and the sprawling city receding below before heading toward the Balkans.
Landing at GRZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Graz from the southeast. You'll see the Alpine foothills, the Mur River valley, and the approach over the Styrian countryside with vineyards and forests characteristic of eastern Austria.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Graz Mil/civ (GRZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Graz. While takeoff on the right offers good Istanbul coastal views, the landing approach on the left provides more sustained scenic interest—the Alpine foothills and Mur River valley are visually distinctive and occupy a larger portion of the descent. The left side captures the transition from Pannonian plains to Alpine terrain.
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 out northwestward. You'll see the coastline, islands, and the sprawling city receding below before heading toward the Balkans. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada), Istanbul urban sprawl, Bosphorus strait entrance.
What can I see when landing at Graz Mil/civ in Graz?
When landing at Graz Mil/civ (GRZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Graz from the southeast. You'll see the Alpine foothills, the Mur River valley, and the approach over the Styrian countryside with vineyards and forests characteristic of eastern Austria. Notable sights include: Eastern Alps foothills, Mur River valley, Styrian agricultural landscape, Graz city center and surrounding hills.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Graz?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Graz Mil/civ (GRZ) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 807 miles (1,298 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Graz flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans northwestward, passing over southern Serbia and northern Bosnia. Notable features include the Dinaric Alps (visible as a series of ridges and valleys), the Danube River near the Serbia-Hungary border, and the Pannonian Plain as you approach Austria. The Sava River valley and various river systems create natural corridors through the mountainous terrain. Lake Balaton in Hungary may be visible on clear days as the aircraft approaches Austrian airspace.