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BEY → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (Beirut) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers the best views of the Mediterranean coastline, the western Taurus Mountains, and a clearer perspective of the Prince Islands and the Bosphorus strait during the descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
Levantine Coast
Clear views of the Mediterranean coastline stretching north from Beirut towards Tripoli shortly after takeoff.
Cyprus Outline
On clear days, the eastern 'panhandle' and northern coast of Cyprus are visible across the sea.
Western Taurus Mountains
Dramatic limestone peaks and deep valleys as the flight crosses into mainland Turkey near Antalya.
Lake Eğirdir
A stunning turquoise freshwater lake located in the Turkish Lakes Region, easily spotted from high altitude.
Prince Islands
A chain of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, visible during the final approach phase.
Istanbul Skyline
The historical peninsula and the Bosphorus bridges can often be seen in the distance as the plane banks for landing.
Book an 'A' window seat. For the best lighting on the landscape, a morning flight is ideal as the sun will be behind you. During winter, look for the snow-capped peaks of the Taurus range which provide incredible contrast against the blue sea.
Mount Lebanon Range
Immediate views of the rugged Lebanese mountains rising sharply from the coast after departure.
Cilician Plain
The fertile agricultural heartland of southern Turkey near Adana and Mersin.
Bolkar Mountains
High altitude peaks of the central Taurus range, often retaining snow well into the summer months.
Tuz Gölü (Distant)
The massive white expanse of Turkey's second largest lake, a salt lake, can be seen to the far east.
Izmit Bay
A major industrial and shipping hub visible just before the final descent into the airport.
Choose an 'F' window seat. This side is better if you are interested in the inland geography of Anatolia. If flying in the late afternoon, expect significant glare from the sun as it sets to the west.
Distance: 957 km (595 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: BEY (33.820899963378906, 35.488399505615234)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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