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SAW → HAJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Hannover Airport (Hannover)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a premier view of the Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus upon departure, followed by the dramatic snow-capped Carpathian Mountains and central European cities like Budapest and Dresden.
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Bosphorus Strait
Unparalleled aerial perspectives of the waterway separating Europe and Asia and the historic Golden Horn.
Transylvanian Alps
The high, jagged peaks of the Southern Carpathian Mountains in Romania.
Budapest Panorama
Depending on the specific airway, the Hungarian capital and the Parliament building may be visible.
Elbe River
The scenic meanders of the Elbe river as it flows through the Saxon Switzerland region.
Magdeburg Cathedral
One of Germany's oldest Gothic cathedrals is often visible on the right during the final approach.
Sit on the right for the iconic 'Istanbul' shot. In the morning, the light hits the Carpathian peaks perfectly for photography. If the flight path passes slightly east, you will have a front-row seat to the architectural layout of the former East German cities. Check the flight path on a tracker before boarding to see if you will pass directly over Budapest.
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Prince Islands
Clear views of the archipelago in the Sea of Marmara shortly after departure from SAW.
Balkan Mountains
The rugged peaks of the Stara Planina range stretching across Bulgaria.
Sofia Basin
The high-altitude plain surrounding the Bulgarian capital, flanked by Vitosha Mountain.
Harz Mountains
The northernmost mountain range in Germany, featuring Brocken peak during the descent.
The left side is preferable for afternoon flights to minimize glare from the southern sun. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes after takeoff for the best views of the Turkish coastline. During the winter months, look for the ski resorts in the Balkan range which are clearly visible from cruising altitude.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for GermanyDistance: 1,962 km (1,219 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: HAJ (52.461101532, 9.68507957458)
Route Type: International
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