While takeoff from Istanbul offers dramatic water and strait views on the right, the landing approach into Gatwick on the left provides more sustained and visually distinctive scenery: the English Channel, white cliffs region, and South Downs are more dramatic and photogenic than the departure sequence.
Flown SAW to LGW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to London is 1,568 miles (2,523 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Over the Balkans: the Danube River valley and Serbian plains appear roughly midway. The flight path crosses the Carpathian Mountains' southern foothills (visible as a distant ridge), then transitions over Hungary and Austria before crossing into Germany and France. The Rhine Valley becomes visible approaching western Europe. The Alps appear as a distant snow-capped ridge to the south during the final European leg before descending toward the English Channel.
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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 northwest. You'll see the Bosphorus strait and the city's eastern districts receding below.
Landing at LGW
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the English Channel, the Sussex coastline, and the South Downs as you descend toward Gatwick. The approach from the southeast offers clear sightlines to the white cliffs and coastal 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 Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to London. While takeoff from Istanbul offers dramatic water and strait views on the right, the landing approach into Gatwick on the left provides more sustained and visually distinctive scenery: the English Channel, white cliffs region, and South Downs are more dramatic and photogenic than the departure sequence.
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 northwest. You'll see the Bosphorus strait and the city's eastern districts receding below. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul city sprawl (Asian side), Prince Islands.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the English Channel, the Sussex coastline, and the South Downs as you descend toward Gatwick. The approach from the southeast offers clear sightlines to the white cliffs and coastal features. Notable sights include: English Channel, Sussex coastline, South Downs ridge, Gatwick runway approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to London?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,568 miles (2,523 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to London flight path pass over?
Over the Balkans: the Danube River valley and Serbian plains appear roughly midway. The flight path crosses the Carpathian Mountains' southern foothills (visible as a distant ridge), then transitions over Hungary and Austria before crossing into Germany and France. The Rhine Valley becomes visible approaching western Europe. The Alps appear as a distant snow-capped ridge to the south during the final European leg before descending toward the English Channel.