While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Nairobi offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Aberdare Range, Rift Valley topography, and the city itself are visually compelling. The left side captures the descent's most rewarding views.
Flown SAW to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Nairobi is 2,956 miles (4,757 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Red Sea (visible from either side depending on exact routing), passes over Sudan's Nile Valley and desert regions, then enters Ethiopia's highlands before descending into Kenya. The Nile's green ribbon through the Sahara is visible from altitude in the midpoint. The Ethiopian highlands show dramatic escarpments and volcanic terrain. The transition from arid Sudan to Kenya's greener highlands is geographically striking.
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.JPG?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Sea of Marmara and the Asian side of Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately.
Landing at NBO
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Nairobi area and the surrounding highlands during descent into Jomo Kenyatta. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, so left-side passengers see the city, the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and the Aberdare Range to the west.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Nairobi. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach into Nairobi offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Aberdare Range, Rift Valley topography, and the city itself are visually compelling. The left side captures the descent's most rewarding views.
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's sprawling urban landscape during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, so right-side passengers see the water body and coastal development immediately. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Istanbul's Asian-side districts (Pendik, Kartal), Bosphorus strait in the distance to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Nairobi area and the surrounding highlands during descent into Jomo Kenyatta. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, so left-side passengers see the city, the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and the Aberdare Range to the west. Notable sights include: Nairobi city sprawl, Aberdare Range (western horizon), Great Rift Valley escarpment, Ngong Hills (southwest of Nairobi).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Nairobi?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,956 miles (4,757 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Nairobi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Red Sea (visible from either side depending on exact routing), passes over Sudan's Nile Valley and desert regions, then enters Ethiopia's highlands before descending into Kenya. The Nile's green ribbon through the Sahara is visible from altitude in the midpoint. The Ethiopian highlands show dramatic escarpments and volcanic terrain. The transition from arid Sudan to Kenya's greener highlands is geographically striking.