While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of Shanghai's geography. The left side captures the Yangtze estuary, river systems, and Pudong skyline during descent—the most visually distinctive portion of this route. The midpoint flight path over Central Asia offers limited scenic value from either side.
Flown SAW to PVG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Shanghai is 4,969 miles (7,997 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Caspian Sea (southern portion visible), the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (distant peaks), the Kopet Dag range along the Iran-Turkmenistan border, the Kara Bogaz Gol (lagoon), the Ustyurt Plateau, and eventually the Tian Shan mountains in western China. Most midpoint features appear as distant, low-contrast elements on the horizon due to altitude and atmospheric haze. The Caspian Sea crossing offers the most notable water feature, but visibility depends on weather conditions.
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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's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and coastal development.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River, Huangpu River confluence, and central Shanghai's Pudong district skyline during descent into PVG. The aircraft approaches from the east over the East China Sea, making left-side seats ideal for viewing the city's urban geography and river systems.
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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 Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Shanghai. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of Shanghai's geography. The left side captures the Yangtze estuary, river systems, and Pudong skyline during descent—the most visually distinctive portion of this route. The midpoint flight path over Central Asia offers limited scenic value from either side.
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 urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward from Sabiha Gökçen, positioning right-side passengers to see the water body and coastal development. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik district urban development, Bosphorus strait (distant), Asian Istanbul coastline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Yangtze River, Huangpu River confluence, and central Shanghai's Pudong district skyline during descent into PVG. The aircraft approaches from the east over the East China Sea, making left-side seats ideal for viewing the city's urban geography and river systems. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Huangpu River, Pudong financial district skyline, East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Shanghai?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,969 miles (7,997 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caspian Sea (southern portion visible), the Alborz Mountains in northern Iran (distant peaks), the Kopet Dag range along the Iran-Turkmenistan border, the Kara Bogaz Gol (lagoon), the Ustyurt Plateau, and eventually the Tian Shan mountains in western China. Most midpoint features appear as distant, low-contrast elements on the horizon due to altitude and atmospheric haze. The Caspian Sea crossing offers the most notable water feature, but visibility depends on weather conditions.