Loading map...
SAW → DOH
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Hamad International Airport (Doha)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior landing experience with views of Kuwait City and a high probability of seeing the iconic Doha skyline and The Pearl during the final approach.
Tuz Gölü
Turkey's second-largest lake, appearing bright white or pink from above depending on the season.
Euphrates River
The historic western boundary of Mesopotamia winding through the desert landscape.
Baghdad
Detailed views of the circular city layout and the winding river through the Iraqi capital.
Kuwait City
Aerial views of the Kuwait Towers and the unique skyline along the Persian Gulf coast.
The Pearl-Qatar
The man-made island's distinctive oyster-shell shape visible during the final descent into DOH.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct sun glare. During descent, look for the Pearl-Qatar and the futuristic skyscrapers of West Bay. If flying at night, the dense urban lighting of Baghdad and Kuwait City provides excellent navigational landmarks.
Princes' Islands
A cluster of islands in the Sea of Marmara visible shortly after departure from SAW.
Taurus Mountains
Dramatic ridges and deep valleys of the Anti-Taurus range in Eastern Anatolia.
Tigris River
The historic waterway carving through the northern Mesopotamian plains.
Zagros Mountains
Distant but massive silhouettes of the Iranian highlands visible to the east.
Lusail Stadium
The iconic golden 'bowl' stadium visible in northern Doha during the arrival sequence.
Choose the left side on early morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Persian Gulf. Keep an eye out for the vast Zagros mountain range in Iran, which is often visible across the horizon on clear days. Focus on the northern coast of Qatar during descent for newer developments like Lusail.
Distance: 2,694 km (1,674 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 36 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: DOH (25.273056, 51.608056)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.