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JED → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of dramatic landscapes, including the red deserts of AlUla, the geological wonder of the Dead Sea, the majestic Taurus Mountains, and a spectacular urban approach over Istanbul's Asian side.
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AlUla & Hijaz Mountains
Breathtaking views of the ancient volcanic fields and sandstone formations of northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The Dead Sea
Look down to see the distinct turquoise and salt-rimmed shores of the lowest point on Earth between Jordan and Israel.
Taurus Mountains
Massive, often snow-capped limestone peaks that define the southern landscape of Turkey.
Lake Tuz
A massive, bright white salt lake in Central Anatolia that creates a surreal mirror effect from the air.
Istanbul Asian Side
A dense urban sprawl that transforms into green hills as you descend directly into Sabiha Gökçen.
Choose the right side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the desert. This side is consistently better for land-based landmarks like the Dead Sea and the Anatolian plateau. When landing at SAW, the right side usually provides a more intimate view of the Pendik and Kartal districts as the plane makes its final turn.
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Red Sea Coastline
Stunning views of the turquoise coral reefs and the jagged coastline stretching north from Jeddah.
Sinai Peninsula
The rugged, reddish-brown mountain ranges of the Sinai, including the area near Mount Sinai.
Antalya Gulf
As you enter Turkish airspace, witness the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean meeting the Turkish Riviera.
European Istanbul
On a clear day during the descent, you may spot the historic peninsula and the Bosphorus bridges in the distance.
The left side is excellent for sunset flights to avoid direct glare while seeing the silhouettes of the Mediterranean islands. During morning flights, expect harsh sunlight reflecting off the sea. It offers a great view of the Egyptian coastline and the Gulf of Aqaba during the first half of the trip.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 2,329 km (1,447 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min
Departure: JED (21.6796, 39.156502)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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