While takeoff offers good water views, the landing approach into Tbilisi provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Caucasus Mountains dominate the approach, and the Mtkvari River valley descent is visually compelling. Left seats capture both the mountain range and the river approach.
Flown SAW to TBS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Tbilisi is 813 miles (1,308 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea coast near Rize, Turkey (tea plantations visible on steep hillsides), then transitions over the eastern Black Sea region. The Pontic Mountains run parallel to the Turkish coast on the left (north) side during the initial eastward leg. As the aircraft climbs toward cruise altitude and heads northeast toward Georgia, the landscape transitions from Turkish coastal terrain to the foothills and then the dramatic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, which become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Tbilisi from the west.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight-side seats capture 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, so right-facing windows show the water body and coastal development immediately after wheels-up.
Landing at TBS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Caucasus Mountains and the approach into Tbilisi from the west. The aircraft descends on a westerly approach path, and left windows frame the snow-capped peaks and the Mtkvari River valley leading into the city.
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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 Tbilisi International Airport (TBS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Tbilisi. While takeoff offers good water views, the landing approach into Tbilisi provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Caucasus Mountains dominate the approach, and the Mtkvari River valley descent is visually compelling. Left seats capture both the mountain range and the river approach.
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 capture 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, so right-facing windows show the water body and coastal development immediately after wheels-up. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (south and southwest), Pendik district urban development (directly below transitioning to right), Bosphorus strait entrance (distant northwest), Asian Istanbul coastline.
What can I see when landing at Tbilisi International Airport in Tbilisi?
When landing at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Caucasus Mountains and the approach into Tbilisi from the west. The aircraft descends on a westerly approach path, and left windows frame the snow-capped peaks and the Mtkvari River valley leading into the city. Notable sights include: Caucasus Mountains (north and northeast, snow-capped peaks), Mtkvari River valley (winding through the landscape below), Tbilisi urban sprawl (expanding across the valley floor), Narikala Fortress ridge (visible as elevated terrain within the city).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Tbilisi?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 813 miles (1,308 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Tbilisi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea coast near Rize, Turkey (tea plantations visible on steep hillsides), then transitions over the eastern Black Sea region. The Pontic Mountains run parallel to the Turkish coast on the left (north) side during the initial eastward leg. As the aircraft climbs toward cruise altitude and heads northeast toward Georgia, the landscape transitions from Turkish coastal terrain to the foothills and then the dramatic peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, which become increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Tbilisi from the west.