Pendik, Istanbul to Tehran is 1,242 miles (1,999 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
While takeoff offers good coastal views from the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Alborz Mountains dominating the descent. The mountain views are more visually distinctive than the departure coastline.
Flight Path
Lake Urmia (visible as a large salt lake on the left/north side of the flight path during cruise), Zagros Mountains foothills, Mesopotamian plains transitioning to Iranian plateau, Dasht-e Kavir desert region (southern view during cruise)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline as the aircraft climbs southeastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape provide continuous visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at IKA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Alborz Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Imam Khomeini Airport. The mountain range dominates the approach from the north, and left-side windows capture the dramatic terrain and the Tehran basin below.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Tehran. While takeoff offers good coastal views from the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with the Alborz Mountains dominating the descent. The mountain views are more visually distinctive than the departure coastline.
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 southeastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape provide continuous visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Asian Istanbul coastline, Bosphorus strait (northern view), Prince Islands archipelago.
What can I see when landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran?
When landing at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Alborz Mountains as the aircraft descends toward Imam Khomeini Airport. The mountain range dominates the approach from the north, and left-side windows capture the dramatic terrain and the Tehran basin below. Notable sights include: Alborz Mountains, Tehran basin and urban sprawl, Caspian Sea coastal plains (northern distance), Karaj River valley.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Tehran?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,242 miles (1,999 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Tehran flight path pass over?
Lake Urmia (visible as a large salt lake on the left/north side of the flight path during cruise), Zagros Mountains foothills, Mesopotamian plains transitioning to Iranian plateau, Dasht-e Kavir desert region (southern view during cruise)