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OTP → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Henri Coandă International Airport (Bucharest) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the historical landmarks of Istanbul, including the Bosphorus bridges and the historical peninsula, especially during the descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
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Danube River Crossing
A clear view of the 'Friendship Bridge' connecting Giurgiu, Romania, and Ruse, Bulgaria.
Balkan Mountains
The central Stara Planina mountain range in Bulgaria, featuring rugged peaks and deep valleys.
Historical Peninsula
Distant views of the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace during the landing pattern.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, often clearly visible during the final descent into SAW.
Bosphorus Bridges
Excellent views of the 15 July Martyrs and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges connecting the two continents.
The right side is the 'money shot' for Istanbul. During the descent, the pilot usually vectors around the city, offering views of the Bosphorus. Evening flights are spectacular as the city lights up and the sun sets over the Marmara Sea. Try to secure a seat forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the historical peninsula.
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Black Sea Coastline
Dramatic views of the Bulgarian and Turkish coastlines as the aircraft approaches the Bosphorus.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The northernmost bridge connecting Europe and Asia, visible near the Black Sea entrance.
Belgrade Forest
The massive green lung of Istanbul, appearing as a dense forest canopy before the urban sprawl begins.
Bosphorus Northern Entrance
The specific point where the Black Sea transitions into the narrow Bosphorus Strait.
Sit on the left for a clear view of the Black Sea's deep blue waters and the northern industrial ports of Istanbul. This side is best for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight glare.
Get eSIMs for Romania
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 486 km (302 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 49 min
Departure: OTP (44.5711111, 26.085)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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