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KBP → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Boryspil International Airport (Kiev) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior panoramic views of the historic Kiev skyline at takeoff and provides the most iconic perspective of the Bosphorus Strait and the European side of Istanbul during the descent.
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Kiev City Center
Clear views of the Pechersk Lavra and the golden domes of central Kiev.
Odessa Seaport
Strategic views of Ukraine's major southern port city before the sea crossing.
Bosphorus Strait
The world-famous waterway dividing Europe and Asia, usually visible on the final approach.
Princes' Islands
A beautiful cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara just south of the airport.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to avoid the glare of the setting sun. During the approach to SAW, keep your camera ready for the Bosphorus bridges; the plane often circles over the Sea of Marmara, providing an exceptional view of the historic peninsula.
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Dnieper River Bends
Aerial views of the winding river paths and fertile plains south of Kiev.
Deep Black Sea
A serene and vast expanse of deep blue water at cruising altitude.
Kocaeli Forests
The lush green landscapes of the northern Turkish coastline near Sile.
Anatolian Sprawl
The dense urban development of Istanbul's Asian suburbs during final descent.
This side is ideal for morning departures to capture the sunrise reflecting off the Black Sea. It is also the preferred side for viewing the rugged northern coastline of Turkey as the plane makes landfall.
Get eSIMs for Ukraine
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,058 km (657 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: KBP (50.34500122070313, 30.89469909667969)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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