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SAW → EBU
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon Airport (St-Etienne)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the majestic Alpine range and the highest peak in Europe, Mont Blanc, shortly before the descent into France.
The Bosphorus
Panoramic views of Istanbul's historic peninsula and the bridges connecting Europe and Asia depending on takeoff direction.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged Stara Planina range stretching across Bulgaria and Serbia provides dramatic terrain views.
Danube River
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers at Belgrade is a prominent landmark from high altitude.
The Dolomites
The distinctive limestone peaks of the Italian Dolomites offer sharp, dramatic shadows during midday.
Mont Blanc
The highest peak in Western Europe often appears clearly to the north shortly before the plane begins its descent.
Lake Geneva
The crescent-shaped lake and the Jura Mountains are often visible during the transition into French airspace.
Essential for mountain lovers as the flight path usually passes just north of the highest Alpine peaks. During winter months, the snow-covered peaks are particularly stunning. Try to book a seat ahead of the wing for an unobstructed view of Mont Blanc.
Sea of Marmara
Views of the southern Marmara coast and the Princes' Islands immediately after takeoff from SAW.
Sofia Skyline
The Bulgarian capital and the surrounding Vitosha Mountain range are visible as you cross the Balkans.
Adriatic Coast
Glances of the turquoise waters and the fragmented coastline of the Dalmatian islands if the path is southerly.
Venice Lagoon
If the flight path follows a more southern corridor, the unique layout of the Venetian lagoon is visible to the south.
Southern Alps
The rugged peaks of the Italian and French Alps transitioning into the lower mountain ranges.
Massif Central
Ancient volcanic formations and lush green plateaus as you approach the Saint-Étienne region.
Ideal for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare. This side offers better views of the Mediterranean influence on the landscape and the ancient volcanoes of the Massif Central during landing.
Distance: 2,082 km (1,294 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 47 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: EBU (45.54059982299805, 4.2963900566101065)
Route Type: International
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