The takeoff from Istanbul offers more immediate and dramatic visual interest with the Sea of Marmara and coastal features. While the Melbourne landing provides the Dandenong Ranges, the Istanbul departure has superior early-flight scenery that justifies the right-side choice for the overall journey.
Flown SAW to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Melbourne is 9,061 miles (14,583 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Rub' al Khali desert visible as vast tan expanse), the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean with scattered shipping lanes, and approaches Australia over the Great Australian Bight before reaching the Australian mainland. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush are visible during the initial eastbound climb from Turkey. The Red Sea and Suez Canal region may be visible depending on exact routing. Over the Indian Ocean, no significant landmarks are visible—primarily open water for 8-10 hours of flight time.
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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 water body and Istanbul's eastern sprawl provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at MEL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Dandenong Ranges and the eastern suburbs of Melbourne during the descent approach from the northwest. The ranges create a distinctive forested ridge that's visually prominent and geographically significant.
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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 Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Melbourne. The takeoff from Istanbul offers more immediate and dramatic visual interest with the Sea of Marmara and coastal features. While the Melbourne landing provides the Dandenong Ranges, the Istanbul departure has superior early-flight scenery that justifies the right-side choice for the overall journey.
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 water body and Istanbul's eastern sprawl provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront district, Prince Islands (Kızıl Island visible as small landmass), Asian Anatolian plateau rising inland.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Dandenong Ranges and the eastern suburbs of Melbourne during the descent approach from the northwest. The ranges create a distinctive forested ridge that's visually prominent and geographically significant. Notable sights include: Dandenong Ranges (forested ridge), Port Phillip Bay (western approach), Yarra River valley, Melbourne CBD skyline (distant).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Melbourne?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,061 miles (14,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Arabian Peninsula (Rub' al Khali desert visible as vast tan expanse), the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean with scattered shipping lanes, and approaches Australia over the Great Australian Bight before reaching the Australian mainland. The Himalayas and Hindu Kush are visible during the initial eastbound climb from Turkey. The Red Sea and Suez Canal region may be visible depending on exact routing. Over the Indian Ocean, no significant landmarks are visible—primarily open water for 8-10 hours of flight time.