While the takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape are more visually distinctive than the Taiwan departure.
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Flight Path
Taipei to Pendik, Istanbul is 5,200 miles (8,368 km), a flight of about 11 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the East China Sea, passes over or near the Korean Peninsula airspace, traverses the Yellow Sea and China's eastern provinces, then continues westward over central Asia. Notable features include the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains visible to the south during the central Asian portion, the Caspian Sea region, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending into Istanbul. The route typically follows major jet stream corridors at cruise altitude (35,000-43,000 feet), making ground features appear small, but mountain ranges and major water bodies remain identifiable.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Taipei Basin and the northern Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Taipei and the East China Sea stretching toward the horizon.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the city's eastern districts as you approach Sabiha Gökçen from the southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Pendik, Istanbul. While the takeoff offers good views of Taiwan's geography, the landing approach into Istanbul provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, and Istanbul's sprawling urban landscape are more visually distinctive than the Taiwan departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Taipei Basin and the northern Taiwan coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the urban sprawl of Taipei and the East China Sea stretching toward the horizon. Notable sights include: Taipei city grid, Keelung Harbor, northern Taiwan coastline, Yangmingshan volcanic plateau to the northwest.
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 side provides excellent views during the descent into Istanbul. You'll see the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus strait, and the Asian side of Istanbul including the city's eastern districts as you approach Sabiha Gökçen from the southeast. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus strait, Asian Istanbul urban area, Pendik waterfront.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 11 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,200 miles (8,368 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the East China Sea, passes over or near the Korean Peninsula airspace, traverses the Yellow Sea and China's eastern provinces, then continues westward over central Asia. Notable features include the Himalayas and Hindu Kush mountains visible to the south during the central Asian portion, the Caspian Sea region, and the Caucasus Mountains before descending into Istanbul. The route typically follows major jet stream corridors at cruise altitude (35,000-43,000 feet), making ground features appear small, but mountain ranges and major water bodies remain identifiable.