Loading map...

BAL destination photo
SAW destination photo

BALSAW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the majestic Mount Erciyes, the dramatic bends of the Euphrates River, and a more direct view of the Istanbul skyline and the Gulf of Izmit during the descent into Sabiha Gokcen.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
💧

Euphrates River

View the legendary Euphrates River as it flows through Eastern Anatolia, marked by deep valleys and massive hydroelectric dams.

🌋

Mount Erciyes

The most iconic landmark on this route; a massive dormant volcano with a snow-capped peak that dominates the horizon near Kayseri.

🏗️

Osman Gazi Bridge

A spectacular view of one of the world's longest suspension bridges spanning the Gulf of Izmit during the final approach.

🏙️

Istanbul Northern Skyline

As the flight aligns for SAW, you get sweeping views of the industrial and urban landscape of Kocaeli and eastern Istanbul.

The right side is best for photography, especially to capture Mount Erciyes. During landing, this side often provides a better perspective of the Osman Gazi Bridge and the sprawling suburban density of Istanbul's Anatolian side.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Batman Dam and Tigris

Immediately after takeoff, witness the vast reservoir and the historic path of the Tigris River snaking through the landscape.

💎

Lake Hazar

A beautiful tectonic rift lake nestled between the Taurus Mountains, offering striking blue colors against the rugged terrain.

🧂

Salt Lake (Tuz Golu)

From cruising altitude, the massive, bright white expanse of Turkey's second-largest lake is clearly visible in Central Anatolia.

🏝️

Prince Islands

As the plane descends over the Sea of Marmara, the archipelago of the Prince Islands appears just off the coast of Istanbul.

Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare while viewing the white salt flats of Tuz Golu. This side is also excellent for spotting the Prince Islands if the approach path comes from the south.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 1,066 km (662 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min

Departure: BAL (37.9290008545, 41.1166000366)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: Domestic

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.