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ERC → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Erzincan Airport (Erzincan) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the high-altitude Anatolian plateaus, the striking Munzur Mountain range, and a picturesque approach over the Gulf of Izmit and the Osmangazi Bridge.
Munzur Mountains
Dramatic views of the rugged, often snow-capped peaks of the Munzur range immediately after takeoff from Erzincan.
Euphrates River
The winding Karasu branch of the Euphrates carves deep, scenic canyons through the Anatolian landscape.
Central Anatolian Plateau
Vast, undulating steppe landscapes that change color dramatically with the seasons, from green in spring to gold in summer.
Sapanca Lake
A beautiful view of this freshwater lake nestled between the mountains and the coastal plain during the initial descent.
Osmangazi Bridge
One of the world's longest suspension bridges visible as the plane crosses the Gulf of Izmit toward SAW.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, which illuminates the mountain textures perfectly. During the descent into SAW, keep your camera ready for the industrial geometry of the Kocaeli ports and the sweeping curve of the Osmangazi Bridge. In winter, the contrast between the white peaks and the blue Euphrates is particularly photogenic.
North Anatolian Mountains
Continuous views of the Pontic Alps that separate the Anatolian plateau from the Black Sea coast.
Bolu Forests
Lush, dense greenery and rolling hills around the Bolu and Düzce provinces as you approach the Marmara region.
Gebze Industrial Zone
A bird's-eye view of Turkey's massive industrial heartland just before the final approach into Sabiha Gökçen.
Black Sea Horizon
On clear days, the distant blue line of the Black Sea is visible to the north beyond the mountain ridges.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights as the sun moves south, preventing glare. It offers a better view of the northern forest belts and the urban sprawl of Istanbul's eastern outskirts during landing. Look for the winding roads of the Bolu Pass, which are often shrouded in scenic mountain mist.
Distance: 876 km (544 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: ERC (39.7102012634, 39.5270004272)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: Domestic
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