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EBU → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon Airport (St-Etienne) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft provides an exceptional visual journey, starting with the Southern French Alps, transitioning to the stunning turquoise archipelago of the Croatian coast, and finishing with a scenic descent over the Sea of Marmara toward Istanbul.
Écrins National Park
Shortly after takeoff, enjoy spectacular views of the jagged peaks and glaciers of the Southern French Alps.
Dalmatian Coast
A breathtaking sequence of white-sand islands and clear blue waters along the Croatian coastline.
Prince Islands
As the plane descends into SAW, these car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara appear directly below the flight path.
Istanbul Skyline
During the final approach, the historic peninsula with its iconic minarets is often visible across the water to the west.
Book a window seat on the right for the 'Istanbul approach' highlight. During the final 20 minutes, the plane typically banks over the Sea of Marmara, offering a panoramic view of the city. Morning flights are ideal for capturing the Adriatic Sea's vibrant colors without the afternoon sun's reflection on the wing.
Mont Blanc Massif
Visible to the north, the highest peak in Western Europe often stands out above the surrounding Alpine clouds.
Milan Urban Area
The dense metropolitan sprawl of Italy's fashion capital is clearly visible as the flight crosses the Po Valley.
The Balkan Mountains
Deep green ridges and limestone peaks stretching across Bulgaria provide a rugged backdrop during the mid-flight phase.
The left side is preferable if you want to see the northern face of the Alps and avoid direct sun glare during southbound legs of the journey. For evening flights, this side offers cooler, more subtle lighting of the European landscape.
Distance: 2,082 km (1,294 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 47 min
Departure: EBU (45.54059982299805, 4.2963900566101065)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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