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MXP → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Malpensa International Airport (Milano) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic landmarks, including the southern edge of the Alps, the unique layout of the Venetian Lagoon, and a potential view of the Black Sea coastline during the approach to Istanbul.
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The Alps
Dramatic views of the snow-capped Italian and Swiss Alps shortly after departure from Milan.
Venice
The unmistakable shape of the historical islands and the Grand Canal are often visible on the left during the transit over northeast Italy.
Dinaric Alps
The rugged, white limestone mountains stretching along the coast of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Sofia Skyline
A view of the Bulgarian capital nestled in a valley with the Vitosha Mountain massif as a backdrop.
Black Sea Coast
The coastline where the Balkan Mountains meet the sea, visible as the flight enters Turkish airspace.
Choose the left side for morning departures to minimize solar glare. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, look down for the Venetian Lagoon. If the flight path takes a northern approach to SAW, you may also see the third Bosphorus bridge (Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge) before landing.
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Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake, recognizable by its long narrow northern shape, visible as the plane heads east through the Po Valley.
Adriatic Sea
Vast turquoise waters and the coastline of the Italian 'boot' visible as you cross the sea toward the Balkans.
Balkan Interior
The rolling hills and forested mountain ranges of central Serbia and southern Bulgaria.
Sea of Marmara
A busy maritime scene with hundreds of cargo ships waiting to pass through the Bosphorus Strait.
Princes' Islands
A beautiful cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, visible during the final descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
The right side is superior for sunset views on late afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for the shimmering Lake Garda shortly after takeoff. On the final approach to SAW, the Princes' Islands are a major highlight as you descend over the water, appearing as emerald jewels in the blue Marmara Sea.
Book Hotels in IstanbulDistance: 1,742 km (1,082 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min
Departure: MXP (45.6306, 8.728110000000001)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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