While takeoff offers good views of Istanbul's waterfront, the landing approach into Vancouver provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the North Shore Mountains as a major highlight. The mountains are a signature feature of the approach and worth positioning for.
Flown SAW to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Vancouver is 5,991 miles (9,641 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible as a large water body during the first 1–2 hours of flight), then proceeds northwest over Eastern Europe. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distant ridge during mid-flight over Romania/Ukraine airspace), the North European Plain, and eventually the Atlantic coastline near Greenland and the Canadian Arctic archipelago. Over the Atlantic, icebergs and pack ice may be visible in spring/early summer near Baffin Island. The final approach into Vancouver crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible as a major mountain range to the east during descent) and the coastal ranges of British Columbia.
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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 eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and urban sprawl of Pendik and surrounding districts are immediately visible.
Landing at YVR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the North Shore mountains and the approach over the Strait of Georgia. The North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) and the coastal geography of West Vancouver are clearly visible during descent into YVR.
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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 Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Vancouver. While takeoff offers good views of Istanbul's waterfront, the landing approach into Vancouver provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the North Shore Mountains as a major highlight. The mountains are a signature feature of the approach and worth positioning for.
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 eastward from Sabiha Gökçen. The water body and urban sprawl of Pendik and surrounding districts are immediately visible. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Pendik waterfront and urban districts, Asian shore of Istanbul, Prince Islands (visible as small landmasses in the sea during climb).
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the North Shore mountains and the approach over the Strait of Georgia. The North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) and the coastal geography of West Vancouver are clearly visible during descent into YVR. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Strait of Georgia, West Vancouver coastline, Burrard Inlet.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Vancouver?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,991 miles (9,641 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible as a large water body during the first 1–2 hours of flight), then proceeds northwest over Eastern Europe. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains (visible as a distant ridge during mid-flight over Romania/Ukraine airspace), the North European Plain, and eventually the Atlantic coastline near Greenland and the Canadian Arctic archipelago. Over the Atlantic, icebergs and pack ice may be visible in spring/early summer near Baffin Island. The final approach into Vancouver crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible as a major mountain range to the east during descent) and the coastal ranges of British Columbia.