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LWO → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Lviv International Airport (Lvov) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior aerial gallery of Eastern Europe's most dramatic mountain systems, including the Carpathians and the Balkan Range, which offer high-contrast terrain and snow-capped peaks.
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Eastern Carpathian Mountains
Spectacular views of the forested ridges and deep valleys of the Ukrainian and Romanian Carpathians.
Transylvanian Alps
The rugged, high-altitude peaks of the Southern Carpathians, often featuring snow until early summer.
Balkan Mountain Range
The central ridge of Bulgaria, showing dramatic elevation changes and rocky plateaus.
Bulgarian Riviera
Views of the coastal resorts near Varna and the golden sands of the western Black Sea coast.
Northern Istanbul Corridor
The dense urban expansion and new infrastructure developments on the outskirts of Istanbul during descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights because the sun will be positioned behind you, perfectly illuminating the mountain ranges without glare. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the best Carpathian views.
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Lviv City Center
Aerial perspective of the historic Old Town and High Castle hill immediately after takeoff.
Podolian Upland
The rolling hills and fertile agricultural patchwork of Western Ukraine stretching toward the horizon.
Black Sea Horizon
The vast, deep blue expanse of the Black Sea as the aircraft leaves the Romanian coastline.
Port of Constanța
A view of Romania's largest maritime hub and its complex system of breakwaters and docks.
Bosphorus Gateway
The northern mouth of the Bosphorus where the Black Sea meets the strait leading into Istanbul.
Choose this side for morning flights to experience the sunrise reflecting off the Black Sea. It is also the better side for spotting the intricate, vein-like waterways of the Danube Delta if the flight path tracks slightly toward the coast.
Get eSIMs for Ukraine
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,075 km (668 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: LWO (49.8125, 23.95610046386719)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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