Loading map...
SAW → KSY
Which side of the plane to sit from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul) to Kars Airport (Kars)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a more dramatic perspective of the Anatolian heartland, featuring the iconic Lake Sapanca early on and the spectacular Munzur mountain range as you enter Eastern Anatolia.
Search flights from SAW to KSY
Lake Sapanca
A stunning view of this major freshwater lake situated between the mountains of Sakarya.
Anatolian Steppe
The vast, golden plains of Central Anatolia that stretch toward the horizon in a unique patchwork.
Munzur Mountains
Dramatic, snow-capped limestone peaks that offer some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in Turkey.
Upper Euphrates
The headwaters and deep canyons formed by the Fırat (Euphrates) River system.
Mount Palandöken
Famous for its ski resorts, this massive mountain block is visible as you pass Erzurum.
The right side is unbeatable for viewing the high mountain ranges of the East. On afternoon flights, the sun will be behind you or directly above, illuminating the valleys of the Munzur range beautifully. Use a window seat behind the wing to ensure the engine doesn't block the view of the deep river canyons and the high Kars-Ardahan plateau during the descent.
Book Hotels in KarsBolu Mountains
Dense forest cover and rugged peaks of the Western Black Sea region shortly after takeoff.
Kızılırmak River
The winding path of Turkey's longest river as it snakes through the Central Anatolian valleys.
Canik Mountains
The southern fringes of the Pontic range, showing a transition from green slopes to high plateaus.
Erzurum Cityscape
A distant view of one of Turkey's highest cities nestled at the foot of the mountains.
Kars Citadel
On the final descent, catch a glimpse of the historic Kars Castle and the old city layout.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare, allowing for better photography of the Northern Anatolian landscape. It offers a great view of the high-altitude transition as the plane crosses into the Eastern Anatolian plateau. Keep an eye out for the rugged terrain near Tokat and Amasya.
Get eSIMs for Turkey
Get eSIMs for TurkeyDistance: 1,163 km (723 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min
Departure: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Arrival: KSY (40.562198638916016, 43.1150016784668)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.