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KCM destination photo
SAW destination photo

KCMSAW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view during the approach to Istanbul, featuring the Sea of Marmara and the scenic Prince Islands, alongside the rugged Taurus range after takeoff.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Taurus Mountains

Dramatic limestone peaks and deep valleys visible immediately after departing the Kahramanmaraş basin.

🌊

Sea of Marmara

Deep blue waters contrasting with the coastline as the flight descends toward the Istanbul metropolitan area.

🏝️

Prince Islands

A breathtaking aerial view of Büyükada, Heybeliada, and the smaller islands just before touchdown at SAW.

⚓

Yalova Coastline

The thermal springs region and lush green peninsulas jutting into the Marmara Sea.

🏙️

Istanbul Skyline

Distant views of the historical peninsula and the sprawling city sprawl on the European side.

Sit on the left for the most iconic approach into Sabiha Gökçen. Aim for an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you, which perfectly illuminates the Prince Islands and the reflection on the Marmara Sea. During winter, look for the snow-capped peaks of the central Taurus range early in the flight.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🌋

Mount Erciyes

On clear days, the massive volcanic peak near Kayseri can be seen rising above the Central Anatolian horizon.

🌾

Anatolian Steppe

Unique geological textures and varying earth tones of the high plateau across central Turkey.

💧

Lake Sapanca

A beautiful freshwater lake situated between the mountains of Sakarya and the Gulf of Izmit.

🚢

Gulf of Izmit

An aerial perspective of the heavy maritime traffic and industrial heartland of the Kocaeli region.

🌲

Bolu Forests

Dense, dark green forest cover visible as the plane leaves the dry steppe for the humid Marmara region.

The right side is excellent for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Anatolian plateau. It provides a better view of the industrial and logistical scale of the Kocaeli province and the OSMAN GAZI Bridge if the flight path tracks slightly further north.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 757 km (470 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 16 min

Departure: KCM (37.5388259888, 36.9535217285)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: Domestic

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