Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Caucasus Mountains during departure and sustained views of the Turkish highlands and approaching Istanbul during descent. The left side offers water views on approach but less compelling terrain during the bulk of the flight.
Flight Path
Turkish highlands and plateau terrain (Anatolia), including the Pontic Mountains visible to the north; scattered lakes and reservoirs across central Turkey; the transition from mountainous terrain near Georgia to the flatter approaches to Istanbul; occasional glimpses of smaller Turkish cities and towns in the interior plateau
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lochini (TBS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tbilisi to Pendik, Istanbul. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: the Caucasus Mountains during departure and sustained views of the Turkish highlands and approaching Istanbul during descent. The left side offers water views on approach but less compelling terrain during the bulk of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lochini in Tbilisi?
During takeoff from Lochini (TBS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Caucasus Mountains immediately after departure. Aircraft climb southwestward from Tbilisi, and the right wing faces the dramatic peaks and ridges of the Greater Caucasus range that dominate the landscape east and southeast of the airport. Notable sights include: Greater Caucasus Mountains (snow-capped peaks visible during winter/spring), Mtkvari River valley (winding through the terrain below), Tbilisi city sprawl (receding to the north), foothills and ridgelines extending toward the Turkish border.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Marmara Sea and the Asian side of Istanbul during descent. The aircraft approaches SAW from the northeast, descending over the Sea of Marmara, and left-side passengers see the water body, the Bosphorus strait entrance, and the Anatolian coastline with Istanbul's sprawling urban development. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (large water body dominating the view), Bosphorus Strait (narrow passage connecting Marmara to the Black Sea), Anatolian Peninsula coastline (eastern shore of Marmara), Istanbul urban development (dense city sprawl visible on both shores).
How long is the flight from Tbilisi to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Lochini (TBS) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Tbilisi to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Turkish highlands and plateau terrain (Anatolia), including the Pontic Mountains visible to the north; scattered lakes and reservoirs across central Turkey; the transition from mountainous terrain near Georgia to the flatter approaches to Istanbul; occasional glimpses of smaller Turkish cities and towns in the interior plateau