While landing views on the left are exceptional, the takeoff scenery on the right—the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography—provides more consistent visual interest. The right side also captures better views during the long cruise phase over the Black Sea and Caucasus region if the aircraft maintains a northerly routing.
Flown SAW to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Hong Kong is 4,953 miles (7,971 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
Black Sea coastline (Turkey and Georgia), Caucasus Mountains (southern range visible from altitude), Caspian Sea (northern approach), Iranian Plateau, Hindu Kush range (Afghanistan-Pakistan border region), Tibetan Plateau approaches, and the Yangtze River valley in eastern China before descent into Hong Kong
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The left side faces inland toward Anatolia with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at HKG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into Hong Kong. The aircraft approaches from the northwest over the Pearl River Delta, and left-side passengers see Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft descends 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 Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Hong Kong. While landing views on the left are exceptional, the takeoff scenery on the right—the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography—provides more consistent visual interest. The right side also captures better views during the long cruise phase over the Black Sea and Caucasus region if the aircraft maintains a northerly routing.
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 as the aircraft climbs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The left side faces inland toward Anatolia with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait (northern approach), Anatolian Plateau, Istanbul urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into Hong Kong. The aircraft approaches from the northwest over the Pearl River Delta, and left-side passengers see Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's skyline, and Kowloon Peninsula as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Pearl River Delta.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Hong Kong?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,953 miles (7,971 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Black Sea coastline (Turkey and Georgia), Caucasus Mountains (southern range visible from altitude), Caspian Sea (northern approach), Iranian Plateau, Hindu Kush range (Afghanistan-Pakistan border region), Tibetan Plateau approaches, and the Yangtze River valley in eastern China before descent into Hong Kong