Right-side offers superior scenic variety across the full flight: immediate coastal and maritime views during Istanbul departure over the Sea of Marmara, followed by cruise-phase views of the Anatolian plateau and eastern Mediterranean approaches, and concluding with dramatic volcanic plateau and oasis scenery during descent into Madinah. Left-side remains predominantly over flat to gently rolling inland terrain with minimal landmark density.
Flown SAW to MED? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Madinah is 1,279 miles (2,058 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Syria/Lebanon), Anti-Lebanon Mountains, Syrian Desert plateau, transition to Arabian Peninsula terrain, Hejaz volcanic region
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side departures from SAW typically climb southwestward over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus region, offering immediate water and coastal views. Left-side departures climb over inland Anatolia with minimal early visual interest.
Landing at MED
RIGHTRight-side approaches to MED typically descend from the northwest over the Hejaz plateau and volcanic terrain. The descent path offers views of the arid, rocky landscape characteristic of western Saudi Arabia. Left-side approaches descend over similar terrain but with less dramatic relief variation.
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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 Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Madinah. Right-side offers superior scenic variety across the full flight: immediate coastal and maritime views during Istanbul departure over the Sea of Marmara, followed by cruise-phase views of the Anatolian plateau and eastern Mediterranean approaches, and concluding with dramatic volcanic plateau and oasis scenery during descent into Madinah. Left-side remains predominantly over flat to gently rolling inland terrain with minimal landmark density.
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 departures from SAW typically climb southwestward over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus region, offering immediate water and coastal views. Left-side departures climb over inland Anatolia with minimal early visual interest. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait (northern approach), Istanbul urban sprawl, Anatolian plateau.
What can I see when landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz in Madinah?
When landing at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side approaches to MED typically descend from the northwest over the Hejaz plateau and volcanic terrain. The descent path offers views of the arid, rocky landscape characteristic of western Saudi Arabia. Left-side approaches descend over similar terrain but with less dramatic relief variation. Notable sights include: Hejaz volcanic plateau, Madinah oasis and city, arid desert terrain, approach to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Madinah?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz (MED) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,279 miles (2,058 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Madinah flight path pass over?
Eastern Mediterranean coastline (Syria/Lebanon), Anti-Lebanon Mountains, Syrian Desert plateau, transition to Arabian Peninsula terrain, Hejaz volcanic region