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KSY → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Kars Airport (Kars) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a stunning transition from the high-altitude ruggedness of the Caucasus-adjacent peaks to the lush greenery of the Bolu mountains and a scenic approach over Sapanca Lake and the Izmit Gulf.
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Pontic Alps
Distant but impressive views of the Kaçkar range to the North during the initial cruise.
Bolu Mountains
Crossing the dense green forests and rugged terrain near the Bolu pass.
Sapanca Lake
A beautiful inland lake located just east of the Istanbul metropolitan area.
Izmit Gulf
Stunning aerial views of the narrow gulf and the Osmangazi Bridge if the flight path allows.
Istanbul Skyline
As the plane banks for SAW, you often get a glimpse of the city's sprawling eastern districts.
Sit on the right for the most diverse scenery, ranging from high mountains to coastal views. About 20-30 minutes before landing, look out for Sapanca Lake; it is a major landmark for the start of the SAW approach. This side is especially beautiful during sunset flights.
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Palandöken Mountains
Viewing the high peaks near Erzurum shortly after departure from Kars.
Upper Euphrates
Glances of the river systems carving through the deep valleys of Eastern Anatolia.
Central Anatolian Steppe
The vast golden plains of Sivas and the dry plateaus of the interior.
Kocaeli Peninsula
The dense industrial and urban sprawl along the southern coast of the Marmara region.
Prince's Islands
Distant views of the archipelago in the Sea of Marmara during the final descent.
The left side is preferable on morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side offers better views of the high Anatolian plateaus. On clear days, look south to spot the snow-capped summits of the Taurus range in the far distance.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,163 km (723 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: KSY (40.562198638916016, 43.1150016784668)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: Domestic
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