Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery at both ends of the journey—the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography during departure, and during the long overwater cruise across the Indian Ocean, right-side seats face south toward the African continent and Madagascar, offering occasional views of weather systems and ocean features. Left-side seats excel only during the final approach to Mauritius.
Flown SAW to MRU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Plaisance is 4,612 miles (7,423 km), a flight of about 9 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (if routed westward initially), then over North Africa (Egypt, Sudan, or Ethiopia depending on routing), the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and finally the Indian Ocean. Notable features include the Nile River Delta visible during the African crossing, the Red Sea's narrow geography, and the vast open Indian Ocean for the majority of the journey. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-43,000 feet where individual landmarks become small, but weather systems, cloud formations, and the curvature of the Earth become prominent visual features.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian coastline of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and coastal geography immediately after takeoff.
Landing at MRU
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Mauritius's western and southwestern coastline during the descent approach to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making left-side seats optimal for viewing the island's terrain, lagoons, 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 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Plaisance. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery at both ends of the journey—the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul's coastal geography during departure, and during the long overwater cruise across the Indian Ocean, right-side seats face south toward the African continent and Madagascar, offering occasional views of weather systems and ocean features. Left-side seats excel only during the final approach to Mauritius.
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 of Istanbul during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and coastal geography immediately after takeoff. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Asian Istanbul coastline (Pendik district and surrounding waterfront), Bosphorus strait entrance to the south, Prince Islands archipelago.
What can I see when landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International in Plaisance?
When landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Mauritius's western and southwestern coastline during the descent approach to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making left-side seats optimal for viewing the island's terrain, lagoons, and coastal features. Notable sights include: Southwestern Mauritius coastline, Black River Gorges National Park (interior highlands visible), Lagoons and reef systems along the west coast, Port Louis and northern coastal plains in distance.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Plaisance?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) takes about 9 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,612 miles (7,423 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Plaisance flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mediterranean Sea (if routed westward initially), then over North Africa (Egypt, Sudan, or Ethiopia depending on routing), the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and finally the Indian Ocean. Notable features include the Nile River Delta visible during the African crossing, the Red Sea's narrow geography, and the vast open Indian Ocean for the majority of the journey. The flight typically cruises at 35,000-43,000 feet where individual landmarks become small, but weather systems, cloud formations, and the curvature of the Earth become prominent visual features.