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SAW destination photo
BAL destination photo

SAWBAL

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic scenery as the flight moves from the lush green Bolu mountains into the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Eastern Anatolia, featuring the massive Keban Dam reservoir and the Munzur mountain range.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Bolu & Köroğlu Mountains

Dense pine forests and rugged peaks visible shortly after reaching cruising altitude east of Istanbul.

💧

Keban Dam Reservoir

A massive, turquoise-colored branch of the Euphrates river system near Elazığ with intricate shorelines.

🏔️

Munzur Mountains

Stunning views of the jagged, often snow-capped peaks in the Tunceli region during the mid-flight phase.

🏗️

Batman Dam

The flight path often passes directly over or north of this major dam, offering a bird's-eye view of the reservoir.

🏙️

Batman City Approach

Clear views of the urban layout and the industrial landscape of one of Turkey's primary oil-producing regions.

On morning flights, the left side is shaded, providing better conditions for photography without glare. Look out for the transition from the green Marmara region to the arid, golden landscapes of the east. In winter, the snow coverage on the Munzur mountains is a spectacular sight.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
🌊

Sapanca Lake

A beautiful freshwater lake visible shortly after takeoff from Sabiha Gökçen.

🌾

Central Anatolian Steppe

The vast, open landscapes of the Anatolian plateau stretching toward the horizon.

🌋

Mount Erciyes

On clear days, the massive volcanic peak near Kayseri can be seen rising above the horizon in the distance.

🛶

Tigris River

As you descend towards Batman, the winding path of the historical Tigris river becomes visible to the south.

🛢️

Raman Oil Fields

View the pumpjacks and industrial infrastructure of Turkey's oldest oil-producing hills near the airport.

The right side is ideal for capturing the vastness of the Anatolian plateau. During evening flights, you may witness a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Keep your camera ready during the final 15 minutes of the flight to spot the unique geological folds of the Raman mountains.

Top Activities in Batman
Route Information

Distance: 1,066 km (662 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min

Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Arrival: BAL (37.9290008545, 41.1166000366)

Route Type: Domestic

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