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MED → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (Madinah) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it offers a front-row seat to the iconic Dead Sea and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Taurus Mountains in Southern Turkey.
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Hejaz Mountains
Dramatic, jagged volcanic peaks and wadis visible shortly after departing Madinah.
The Dead Sea
A stunning view of the turquoise waters and white salt-crusted shores at the lowest point on Earth.
Amman Cityscape
The sprawling white-stone hills of the Jordanian capital are often visible during the mid-flight segment.
Taurus Mountains
The rugged, often snow-covered mountain range that separates the Mediterranean coast from the Anatolian plateau.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara visible during the final descent into SAW.
Book a morning flight to avoid the harsh glare of the afternoon sun on this side. During the winter months, the contrast between the desert and the snow-capped Taurus mountains is spectacular. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the Dead Sea transition.
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Harrat Khaybar
One of Saudi Arabia's largest volcanic fields, featuring unique black lava flows and white volcanoes.
An Nafud Desert
The vast expanse of the Great Nafud with its reddish sands and massive dunes visible to the east.
Lake Tuz (Tuz Gölü)
One of the world's largest hypersaline lakes, appearing as a brilliant white or pinkish mirror in Central Turkey.
Istanbul Urban Sprawl
A massive panorama of the Asian side of Istanbul and the dense urban development approaching the airport.
Gulf of Izmit
Views of the industrial shipyards and the massive Osmangazi Bridge just before landing.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights as it captures the golden hour over the Anatolian plateau. Look for the distinct white circle of Lake Tuz in Central Turkey—it is highly reflective and one of the most recognizable landmarks from space.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 2,058 km (1,279 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 min
Departure: MED (24.5534, 39.705101)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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