Loading map...
SAW → BRU
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Brussels Airport (Brussels)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Sea of Marmara upon departure and the majestic Northern Alps during the mid-flight transit across Central Europe.
Sea of Marmara
Shortly after take-off from SAW, enjoy sweeping views of the turquoise waters and the Princes' Islands south of Istanbul.
Rila and Pirin Mountains
As you cross the Balkans, look out for the snow-capped peaks of Bulgaria's highest mountain ranges.
Lake Balaton
The 'Hungarian Sea' is often visible as a long, turquoise stripe to the south of the flight path over Hungary.
Northern Alpine Fringe
On clear days, the jagged peaks of the Austrian and Bavarian Alps dominate the southern horizon.
Munich Panorama
Spot the urban sprawl of Munich and the Allianz Arena if the flight path tracks across Southern Germany.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare while enjoying the Alpine views. During the initial climb, look back for a final glimpse of the Istanbul coastline.
The Bosphorus
Depending on the departure direction, you may see the iconic bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
Danube River
The flight frequently parallels the winding Danube, particularly near Belgrade and Budapest.
Carpathian Mountains
In the distance to the north, the rolling hills and peaks of the Romanian and Slovakian Carpathians are visible.
Frankfurt Skyline
If the route passes over central Germany, the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers offer a distinctive silhouette.
The Ardennes
As you descend into Belgium, the dense green canopy of the Ardennes forest covers the rolling landscape below.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you. Keep a sharp eye out for the Bosphorus during the first 10 minutes, as it is the highlight of the departure.
Distance: 2,204 km (1,370 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 56 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.