The right side (facing east-northeast) scores higher due to the dramatic approach into Istanbul, which includes the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, and extensive urban coastline. While the left side offers a scenic Tangier departure with Gibraltar views, the landing sequence on the right provides more sustained visual interest and geographic variety across the full flight duration.
Flown TNG to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tanger to Pendik, Istanbul is 1,930 miles (3,105 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
Mediterranean coastline of southern Spain and southern Greece; Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca) visible on some routes; Aegean Sea with scattered Greek islands; transition from western Mediterranean to eastern Mediterranean basin; Peloponnese peninsula and Athens region as aircraft approaches Turkey
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TNG
LEFTTangier's coastal position offers immediate views of the Strait of Gibraltar and North African coastline during climb-out. The right side faces inland toward flat Moroccan plains with minimal visual interest.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTThe approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen crosses the Sea of Marmara and offers views of the Bosphorus strait, Asian coastline, and the city's sprawling urban landscape. The left side faces the Black Sea and open water with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ibn Batouta (TNG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tanger to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side (facing east-northeast) scores higher due to the dramatic approach into Istanbul, which includes the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, and extensive urban coastline. While the left side offers a scenic Tangier departure with Gibraltar views, the landing sequence on the right provides more sustained visual interest and geographic variety across the full flight duration.
What can I see during takeoff from Ibn Batouta in Tanger?
During takeoff from Ibn Batouta (TNG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tangier's coastal position offers immediate views of the Strait of Gibraltar and North African coastline during climb-out. The right side faces inland toward flat Moroccan plains with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Strait of Gibraltar (narrow water passage between Morocco and Spain), Tangier harbor and medina, Atlas Mountains foothills to the south.
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. The approach to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen crosses the Sea of Marmara and offers views of the Bosphorus strait, Asian coastline, and the city's sprawling urban landscape. The left side faces the Black Sea and open water with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (large inland sea), Bosphorus Strait (narrow waterway connecting Marmara to Black Sea), Istanbul's Asian shore and urban sprawl, Pendik district and airport facilities.
How long is the flight from Tanger to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Ibn Batouta (TNG) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,930 miles (3,105 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tanger to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Mediterranean coastline of southern Spain and southern Greece; Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca) visible on some routes; Aegean Sea with scattered Greek islands; transition from western Mediterranean to eastern Mediterranean basin; Peloponnese peninsula and Athens region as aircraft approaches Turkey