While the Sydney departure offers dramatic mountain scenery, the Istanbul approach provides more sustained visual interest over the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and the geographically significant junction of Europe and Asia. Right seats capture this iconic geography during descent.
Flown SYD to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Pendik, Istanbul is 9,270 miles (14,918 km), a flight of about 14 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf region, and the Caucasus Mountains before reaching Turkey. Notable visible features include the Strait of Hormuz (if routed south), the Zagros Mountains of Iran, and the Anatolian plateau approaching Istanbul.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the east over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus region, with right-side views showing the Anatolian landscape, the Marmara shoreline, and the approach corridor over the Asian side of Istanbul.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Pendik, Istanbul. While the Sydney departure offers dramatic mountain scenery, the Istanbul approach provides more sustained visual interest over the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and the geographically significant junction of Europe and Asia. Right seats capture this iconic geography during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs westward out of Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (Great Dividing Range), Tasman Sea coastline, Sydney Harbour, Nepean River valley.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. The aircraft descends from the east over the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus region, with right-side views showing the Anatolian landscape, the Marmara shoreline, and the approach corridor over the Asian side of Istanbul. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Anatolian plateau terrain, Istanbul urban sprawl on Asian side.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 14 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,270 miles (14,918 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf region, and the Caucasus Mountains before reaching Turkey. Notable visible features include the Strait of Hormuz (if routed south), the Zagros Mountains of Iran, and the Anatolian plateau approaching Istanbul.