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SAW → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a stunning sequence starting with the Princes' Islands near Istanbul, the turquoise Albanian coastline, and the highest probability of seeing the historic center of Rome during the final approach patterns into Fiumicino.
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Princes' Islands
Visible almost immediately after takeoff from SAW, these islands dot the Sea of Marmara.
Adriatic Crossing
Expansive views of the deep blue sea as the flight transitions from the Balkans to Italy.
Albanian Riviera
Dramatic views of where the rugged mountains meet the crystal-clear coastal waters.
Central Apennines
The 'spine' of Italy, featuring rolling ridges and limestone peaks as you cross the peninsula.
Rome Cityscape
On standard descent paths, you can often spot the Tiber River and distant views of the Vatican.
Book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For the best photography, opt for a morning flight when the sun is behind you, illuminating the Italian coastline. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for potential views of the Eternal City.
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Bosphorus Silhouette
Distant views of the straight dividing Europe and Asia shortly after departure.
Balkan Highlands
Rugged terrain and high-altitude peaks across Bulgaria and Montenegro.
Pescara Coastline
The first point of contact with Italy, showing the sandy beaches of the Abruzzo region.
Gran Sasso d'Italia
The highest peak in the Apennines, often snow-capped well into late spring.
Lake Bracciano
A large volcanic lake visible north of Rome during the final stages of the approach.
The right side is ideal for mountain lovers, especially when passing over the Dinaric Alps and the Gran Sasso. Be mindful that on afternoon flights, this side will face the southern sun, which can make the cabin quite warm and create glare on the window.
Book Hotels in RomeDistance: 1,426 km (886 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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