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ATH → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side offers a superior vantage point for the historic Dardanelles Strait and the iconic European skyline of Istanbul during the final approach into the Asian side of the city.
Search flights from ATH to SAW
Attica Coastline
Aerial views of the rugged Greek mainland and the northern suburbs of Athens immediately after takeoff.
Mount Ochi & Evia
The dramatic southern tip of Evia island with its steep cliffs and mountainous terrain.
Dardanelles Strait
Clear views of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the narrow waterway separating Europe and Asia.
Northern Marmara
The northern coastline of the Sea of Marmara featuring the industrial and residential sprawl of Tekirdağ.
Historical Peninsula
A distant but distinct view of the Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque on approach to SAW.
Request a window seat away from the wing to clearly see the Dardanelles. For morning flights, this side is preferred as the sun will be on the right, reducing glare and providing better lighting for photography of the Greek islands and the Turkish coast.
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Cyclades Horizon
Stunning views of Andros, Tinos, and the northern Cyclades scattered across the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Canakkale Bridge
Spot the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, spanning the southern Dardanelles.
Mount Ida Range
The legendary Kaz Dağları on the Turkish mainland, often snow-capped in late winter.
Princes' Islands
The beautiful archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, visible just before the final descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
Anatolian Istanbul
The dense, modern urban landscape of the Asian side of Istanbul during the final moments of flight.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon or sunset flights to witness the 'Golden Hour' over the Aegean. Keep your camera ready during the final 10 minutes of the flight for a close-up view of the Princes' Islands as the plane maneuvers toward the runway.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 566 km (352 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 57 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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