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.
Flown TIA to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tirana to Pendik, Istanbul is 500 miles (804 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
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
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TIA
RIGHTRight-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.
Landing at SAW
LEFTLeft-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.
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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 about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 500 miles (804 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
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