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GNY → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (Sanliurfa) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of the massive Atatürk Dam shortly after takeoff, the surreal white landscape of Salt Lake mid-flight, and the iconic Prince Islands during the final approach to Istanbul.
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Atatürk Dam
Witness one of the world's largest earth-core fill dams and the vast turquoise reservoir on the Euphrates River.
Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake)
A stunning, vast white salt flat in Central Anatolia that often turns pinkish depending on the season and light.
Ankara Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the sprawling capital city and its unique urban geography from a distance.
Prince Islands
As the plane descends into SAW, the islands of Büyükada, Heybeliada, and Burgazada appear clearly in the Sea of Marmara.
Sea of Marmara
Deep blue coastal views as the flight turns to align with the Sabiha Gökçen runways.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Atatürk Dam reservoir, which appears within the first 10-15 minutes. For afternoon flights, this side receives the best lighting for photographing the reflective salt crust of Tuz Gölü. On the final approach, keep your camera ready for the islands—they appear suddenly as you descend below the cloud layer.
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Mount Erciyes
The snow-capped peak of this massive stratovolcano near Kayseri is often visible to the North.
Central Anatolian Steppe
Geometric patterns of golden wheat fields and reddish soil defining Turkey's breadbasket.
Bolu Mountains
Transition from dry plateaus to the lush, green forested ridges of the western Pontic range.
Sapanca Lake
A beautiful blue freshwater lake situated between the mountains and the Gulf of Izmit.
Izmit Bay & Osmangazi Bridge
The industrial heartland of Turkey and the massive suspension bridge spanning across the bay.
This side is ideal for morning flights as the sun illuminates the rugged topography of the Taurus and Bolu mountains. Look for the distinct peak of Mount Erciyes roughly 25-30 minutes into the flight. During the descent, the right side provides a more industrial view of the Kocaeli region and the sprawling logistics hubs surrounding the airport.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 911 km (566 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: GNY (37.445663, 38.895592)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: Domestic
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