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DOK → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Donetsk International Airport (Donetsk) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for viewing the historic European side of Istanbul, the Golden Horn, and the sprawling urban landscape across the Bosphorus during the descent.
Ukrainian Steppe
The golden and green patchwork of agricultural fields stretching across southern Ukraine.
Dnipro River Delta
The intricate network of waterways and wetlands where Ukraine's largest river empties into the sea.
Bosphorus Bridges
Clear views of the iconic suspension bridges that physically link Europe and Asia.
Historic Peninsula
The silhouettes of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace visible on the European shore.
Prince's Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, often seen during the final turn for the approach into SAW.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the 'Golden Hour' reflecting off the Marmara Sea. During the descent, keep your camera ready for the dense urban sprawl of Istanbul, which provides a sense of the city's massive scale.
Sea of Azov
Visible shortly after takeoff, look for the shallow, greenish-tinted waters of the world's shallowest sea.
Crimean Mountains
Rugged limestone peaks and dramatic cliffs where the peninsula meets the deep blue Black Sea.
Black Sea Crossing
The vast expanse of the Euxine Sea, often dotted with cargo ships heading toward the Bosphorus.
Anatolian Side
A close-up view of the residential districts of Beykoz and the lush green hills of the Asian side of Istanbul.
Tuzla Shipyards
Massive industrial maritime facilities visible just before landing at Sabiha Gökçen.
Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Black Sea. As you approach Turkey, look for the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, the northernmost bridge connecting the two continents.
Distance: 1,040 km (646 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 23 min
Departure: DOK (48.07360076904297, 37.73970031738281)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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