While takeoff offers mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's transcontinental sprawl are more visually striking than the Dinaric Alps alone.
Flight Path
Lake Prespa (north of flight path), Pindus Mountains (west), Thessaly plains (south), transition from Albanian/Greek highlands to Turkish Anatolian plateau, approach over Thrace region toward Istanbul
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tirana Rinas (TIA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tirana to Pendik, Istanbul. While takeoff offers mountain views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's transcontinental sprawl are more visually striking than the Dinaric Alps alone.
What can I see during takeoff from Tirana Rinas in Tirana?
During takeoff from Tirana Rinas (TIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Dinaric Alps and Lake Ohrid as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Tirana. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Dinaric Alps (southeast), Lake Ohrid (east), Adriatic Sea coastline (west), Tirana city grid (below).
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 excellent views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's European and Asian districts during the approach to Sabiha Gökçen. The right side faces the Anatolian plateau with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (west and north), Bosphorus strait (northwest), Istanbul city sprawl across both continents, Anatolian plateau (east).
How long is the flight from Tirana to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Tirana Rinas (TIA) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes 1h 15m.
What does the Tirana to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Lake Prespa (north of flight path), Pindus Mountains (west), Thessaly plains (south), transition from Albanian/Greek highlands to Turkish Anatolian plateau, approach over Thrace region toward Istanbul