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BLQ → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Bologna) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is highly recommended for this route as it provides a front-row seat to the Bosphorus Strait during the descent into Istanbul, along with better views of the Northern Balkan mountain ranges and major river confluences.
Venetian Lagoon
On clear days, looking north provides a distant view of the upper Adriatic and the Venetian coastline shortly after takeoff.
Dinaric Alps
Fly over the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Dinaric range stretching across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Belgrade
Observe the majestic confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers as the flight passes over the Serbian capital.
Balkan Range
Vast views of the Stara Planina mountains in Bulgaria, forming the backbone of the Balkan Peninsula.
The Bosphorus
A breathtaking view of the strait dividing Europe and Asia, including the third bridge and the Black Sea entrance during the SAW approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. During the final 20 minutes of flight, keep your window shade up to catch the dramatic skyline of Istanbul and the bridges crossing the Bosphorus.
San Marino
The world's oldest republic, perched on Mount Titano, is visible on the right shortly after departing Bologna.
Dalmatian Coast
Stunning aerial views of the Croatian archipelago's turquoise waters and thousands of white-pebble islands.
Sofia Skyline
The Bulgarian capital is often visible to the south, nestled at the foot of the massive Vitosha Mountain.
Sea of Marmara
As the plane enters Turkish airspace, the right side looks out over the deep blue expanse of the Marmara Sea.
Princes' Islands
A beautiful cluster of nine islands off the coast of Istanbul, easily spotted during the descent into SAW.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun moves behind the plane, illuminating the Croatian islands and San Marino perfectly. Look out early for the Italian Apennine foothills immediately after takeoff.
Distance: 1,523 km (946 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 2 min
Departure: BLQ (44.5354, 11.2887)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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