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DOH → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Hamad International Airport (Doha) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most consistent and iconic landmarks, including a spectacular view of Lake Tuz and the picturesque approach over the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands.
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West Bay Skyline
A stunning aerial perspective of Doha’s modern skyscraper cluster immediately after takeoff.
Arabian Sands
Vast stretches of the Saudi Arabian desert showing intricate wind-swept dune patterns.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic, jagged limestone peaks that are often snow-capped during winter and spring months.
Lake Tuz
A massive, brilliantly white salt lake in central Turkey that creates a surreal mirror effect from above.
Princes' Islands
The cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara visible during the final descent into SAW.
For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight to avoid direct sun glare. About 40-50 minutes before landing, keep your camera ready for Lake Tuz. If landing from the south, the left side provides a much better view of the Marmara coastline and the islands near Istanbul.
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Persian Gulf
Clear views of the turquoise waters and various offshore oil and gas platforms.
Mesopotamian Marshes
The lush green wetlands of southern Iraq, creating a sharp contrast with the surrounding desert.
Tigris River
The winding path of one of the world's most historically significant rivers through the Iraqi plains.
Mount Erciyes
Depending on the specific airway, the distant but massive silhouette of this stratovolcano may be visible.
Istanbul Asian Side
Dense urban sprawl and the rapid development of the Pendik and Kurtköy districts upon landing.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sun rising over the Gulf. It is generally better for seeing the industrial and residential heart of Istanbul's Asian side during the final approach. Watch for the intersection of the Tigris and Euphrates early in the flight.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 2,694 km (1,674 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 36 min
Departure: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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